To: Board of Supervisors
From: Marla Stuart, Employment and Human Services Director
Report Title: WDB - Contract 18-512-0 Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Employment and Human Services Director, or designee, on behalf of the Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County, to execute a contract with Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano in an amount not to exceed $3,849,120 for the design, implementation and management of comprehensive food security initiative for the period November 1, 2025 through October 31, 2028.
FISCAL IMPACT:
100% County funded by Measure X of which 62% is budgeted in FY 2025-26, 19% will be budgeted in FY 2026-27, and 19% will be budgeted in FY 2027-28.
BACKGROUND:
On October 24, 2024, Request for Proposal (RFP) 1213 was published seeking bidders to design, implement and manage services aimed at increasing food security in Contra Costa County, to be funded by Measure X funds. Through the RFP process, the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano was selected to increase food distribution capacity while addressing identified needs related to access, impact, and sustainability highlighted during community listening sessions.
This action is to approve a contract with the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano to use a coordinated network of food pantries, food distribution sites, mobile units, and emerging models such as refrigerated food lockers. In partnership with the Food Security Collaborative of Contra Costa County, the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano will create an Equity Map, a data visualization tool that overlays community need with existing food distribution to identify gaps. Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano will increase food acquisition and storage capabilities and utilizing the Equity Map data, the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano will work with partner organizations to strengthen the food distribution system and endeavor to close the access gaps.
Through their increased distribution capacity, the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano will deliver a variety of food with an emphasis on nutritious, culturally preferred, and medically appropriate foods that meet the diverse needs of Contra Costa County residents.
CHILDREN'S IMPACT STATEMENT:
This Contract supports all of Contra Costa County’s community outcomes of the Children’s Report Card: (1) “Children Ready for and Succeeding in School”; (2) “Children and Youth Healthy and Preparing for Productive Adulthood”; (3) “Families that are Economically Self-Sufficient”; (4)“Families that are Safe, Stable and Nurturing”; and (5) “Communities that are Safe and Provide a High Quality of Life for Children and Families.”
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Should the proposed action not be approved by the Board of Supervisors, the County will not be able to address areas with higher rates of food insecurity under the Measure X grant partnership. The grant award could be rescinded, jeopardizing the services outlined in the Measure X: Food Security Initiative and placing program outcomes at risk.