Subject:
Title
Grant Application to the Health Resources and Services Administration Fiscal Year 2027 Expanding Nutrition Services Funding Opportunity.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval by the Department Director for the submission of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Expanding Nutrition Services (ENS) grant application.
• The purpose of HRSA’s FY27 ENS funding opportunity is to support HRSA-funded health centers to increase access to nutrition services that can help prevent, manage, and treat diseases and conditions through nutritional and food-based interventions for health center clients.
• The County will partner with the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas to implement a food pharmacy program to provide Health Care for the Homeless (HCH) clients with nutritional outreach, education and access to healthy foods tailored to their dietary needs.
• The application seeks up to $350,000.00 in federal funding per year, for two (2) years, from December 1, 2026, through November 30, 2028.
• There are no match or cost-sharing requirements.
• Funding for this grant is not included in the Fiscal Year 2027 proposed budget in the General Fund and a budget amendment will be necessary upon approval of this grant if awarded.Body
Strategic Priorities:
Healthy and Safe Communities
2.1 Improve public health.
Smart Service Delivery
5.1 Achieve and maintain a high level of customer satisfaction.
Summary:
The purpose of Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Expanding Nutrition Services (ENS) funding is to increase access to nutrition services at HRSA-funded health centers. Nutrition services can help to prevent, manage, and treat diseases and conditions through nutritional and food-based interventions. Pinellas County will partner with the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas to implement a food pharmacy program at the Bayside Health Clinic, on the Mobile Medical Units and at partner locations to provide HCH clients with outreach, education and increased access to healthy foods tailored to dietary needs identified during their routine medical encounters.
Background/Explanation:
The United States has high rates of nutrition-related chronic conditions such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Nutrition services, such as assessments, patient education and counseling on healthy eating, and connection to food resources can help to prevent and manage chronic conditions.
In calendar year 2025 (CY25), HCH reported that 333 (55.78%) of the 596 clients diagnosed with hypertension were controlled through medications and/or healthy habits. Of the 228 clients diagnosed with diabetes, 82 (35.19%%) were reported to have an A1C level greater than 9%, indicating an elevated risk for serious health conditions.
Fiscal Impact:
If awarded, the FY27 ENS program will provide federal funding up to $350,000.00 per year for up to two (2) years from December 1, 2026, through November 30, 2028. There are no match or cost-sharing requirements. Funding for this grant is not included in the FY27 proposed budget in the General Fund and a budget amendment will be necessary upon approval of this grant if awarded.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the Department Director to sign this grant application was delegated by the County Administrator per the memo dated March 28, 2016, titled “Delegation of Authority by the County Administrator and Improved Grant Procedures.”
Staff Member Responsible:
Karen Yatchum, Director, Human Services
Partners:
Florida Department of Health in Pinellas
Pinellas County Health Care for the Homeless Co-Applicant Board
Attachments:
FY27 Expanding Nutrition Services Grant Solicitation
Intent to Apply