Label
Agreement w/TLCHD for Healthy Food Small Market Program
Department of Economic Development
Brandon Sehlhorst (x1692)
Revised
Title
Authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement with the Toledo-Lucas County Regional Board of Health to support the Healthy Food Small Market Program; authorizing the appropriation and expenditure of $355,297 from the General Fund; and declaring an emergency.
Body
SUMMARY & BACKGROUND:
In 2023, the City of Toledo entered into an agreement with the Toledo-Lucas County Regional Board of Health (“TLCHD”) to establish the Healthy Food Small Market Program, a pilot initiative designed to increase access to fresh, nutritious foods in underserved Toledo neighborhoods. The City committed $350,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (“ARPA”) funding to support implementation of the pilot program as part of its response to the economic and public health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The program partners with small, independently owned neighborhood markets in areas with limited access to healthy food, particularly those serving residents who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (“SNAP”) benefits. Participating stores receive funding for refrigeration, freezers and display equipment; healthy food inventory; marketing; and technical assistance, reducing barriers that can prevent small retailers from stocking and selling fresh and nutritious foods. These objectives are consistent with the program as described by both the City and TLCHD.
The pilot program supported six independently operated neighborhood markets across Toledo. Through the program, participating stores expanded their capacity to offer fresh and nutritious foods in neighborhoods where residents may otherwise have limited access to these products. Early program evaluation has shown promising results, with surveyed customers reporting positive perceptions of food quality and increased healthy food purchasing. Participating store owners also expressed strong supp...
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