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Report regarding a resolution authorizing the acceptance of donations, grants, and stipends from various funders totaling $16,190, and an in-kind donation from See’s Candies valued at $34,209, for Fiscal Year 2020-21 to support Parks and Recreation Department programs and events. (Greg Mediati, Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the acceptance of donations, grants, and stipends from various funders totaling $16,190, and an in-kind donation from See’s Candies valued at $34,209, for Fiscal Year 2020-21 to support Parks and Recreation Department programs and events.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The purpose of this staff report is to recommend that City Council authorize the acceptance of:
1. $13,918 in donations and grants from various funders to support the Parks and Recreation Department’s (Department) South San Francisco Magnolia Center Senior Services/Rocko’s Produce Food Box Program;
2. $2,271.94 in stipends from the Child Care Coordinating Council of San Mateo County (4Cs) and the Children’s Council of San Francisco to provide financial relief to childcare programs to assist with hardships experienced due to the pandemic; and
3. An in-kind donation of assorted candies from See’s Candies valued at $34,209, which was distributed through various programs and initiatives citywide.
The donations, stipends, and grants described in this report are itemized in Exhibit A. These funds were received in fiscal year 2020-2021 from July 1, 2020 through January 31, 2021.
Magnolia Center Senior Services/Rocko’s Produce Food Box Program
Since the early stages of the COVID-19 crisis, the Parks and Recreation Department’s Senior Services Program has played a critical role in keeping seniors connected to vital resources through information and referral services, and wellness calls that take place each week. One vital component of the Senior Services Program is its partnership with Rocko’s Produce, a South San Francisco business that boxes fresh produce and food that is then delivered to South San Francisco seniors at no cost.
The South San Francisco Magnolia Center Senior Services/Rocko’s Produce Food Box Program began with an anonymous donation of $2,000 from a South San Francisco resident who wanted to ease food insecurity issues for older South San Francisco residents. Since then, the Magnolia/Rocko’s Food Box Program has been extended month to month based on donations that continue to come in from private donors and grants. Each box includes fresh fruit, vegetables, eggs, and other food products provided to Seniors at no cost. The Senior Services Program administers the program, and the Senior Van Driver (a City employee) carries out the pick-up and delivery of the food boxes to the seniors. The boxes of food have been delivered to seniors in the community who need healthy food and a safe way to receive it. The program provides a much-needed service as well as assisting in providing healthy food options for older adults. To date, donations from South San Francisco Friends of Parks and Recreation, individual community members, city employees, local businesses, matching funds, and various grants have raised $21,917. That has resulted in over 438 boxes of fresh produce and food being delivered so far to older adults and seniors in South San Francisco.
The program continues to operate through donations and will continue as long as funds are made available. Many seniors that have received the boxes have stated it is the best food they have received and are very appreciative and grateful for this program.
Childcare Program Relief Funding
In January 2021, the Parks and Recreation Department received several checks from childcare subsidy agencies 4Cs and the Children’s Council of San Francisco totaling $2,271.94. These childcare subsidy agencies issue vouchers to help low income families pay for childcare so they can work or attend school. Several participants in the Department’s Childcare Program receive such subsidies, and families must meet certain eligibility requirements depending on the type of subsidy received.
The checks received in January 2021 represent additional funding beyond the usual subsidy payments. A cover letter from 4Cs states “the federal CARES Act has awarded funds to California to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on childcare providers and the families they serve. The 2020-21 Budget Act designates a portion of those funds to be distributed to child care providers who serve children receiving a child care subsidy. The stipend is intended to provide financial relief to assist with hardships experienced due to the pandemic.” Checks totaling $2,063.40 from 4Cs and $208.54 from the Children’s Council of San Francisco is based on the number of children in the Department’s care in July 2020, the average cost of care, and available funding.
Staff did not have to apply for this funding. Stipends will be passed on to Childcare Program participants in the form of fee waivers based on need, with priority going to families who already receive some form of financial assistance.
See’s Candies Donation
The Parks and Recreation Department is grateful to have had the opportunity to partner with See’s Candies to receive a donation of 1,350 pounds of candy with a retail value of $34,209 this past fall and winter. Initially, the Department had been looking for a modest donation of assorted sweets to treat guests at the Department’s Halloween drive-in movie event in October, Winter Wonderland event in December, and distribution in senior food boxes during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season. However, the quantity of candy received far exceeded staff’s expectations. In addition to the aforementioned purposes, staff was also able to distribute candy to over 300 families enrolled in the Department’s preschool and elementary school programs; the City’s Winter food drive on Monday, December 21, where 600 people were expected to attend; and appreciation gifts for Parks and Recreation staff members who have been working hard this year to continue to serve the community. Sweet treats included peanut brittle, lollipops, scotch kisses, and assorted chocolates. Additionally, in mid-2020, See’s had previously donated hundreds of pounds of candies for the City’s essential workers, which is included in this total.
FISCAL IMPACT
Receipt of the donations, grants, and stipends identified in this report have no impact to the City’s general fund.
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC PLAN
Acceptance of this funding will contribute to the City’s Strategic Plan under Priority #2 by helping to build robust recreation programs.
CONCLUSION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the acceptance of donations, grants, and stipends from various funders totaling $16,190, and an in-kind donation from See’s Candies valued at $34,209, for Fiscal Year 2020-21 to support Parks and Recreation Department programs and events.
The Parks and Recreation Department appreciates contributions from individual community members and local businesses that help continue and enhance the Department’s mission to provide opportunities for physical, cultural and social well-being, protect and enhance the physical environment, and ensure the effective and efficient use of public facilities and open space.