Subject:
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Florida Dream Center Fiscal Year 2021 Municipal Services Taxing Unit special projects funding request.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval of the Municipal Services Taxing Unit (MSTU) special projects funding request made by the Florida Dream Center to go toward a new cargo van to support a mobile food pantry program.
• This funding will go toward the Florida Dream Center’s Pantry to Life program by paying for the portion of a new van for a mobile food pantry, which reduces food insecurity for low-income, transportation-disadvantaged residents.
• In 2020, the Florida Dream Center distributed 252,640 pounds of food to local pantries and 378,079 pounds of food delivered in bulk to other facilities (veteran villages, low-income apartments, churches, shelters, community centers), while receiving food from 170 suppliers.
• It is understood the maximum, not-to-exceed grant amount of $20,000.00 will not be adequate to purchase the van without additional funding. The difference between the MSTU funding and the actual total cost of the van will be paid for by the Florida Dream Center utilizing capitalized expenditure funds set aside in their annual budget.
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Strategic Plan:
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.1 Maximize partner relationships and public outreach
5.2 Be responsible stewards of the public’s resources
5.3 Ensure effective and efficient delivery of county services and support
Summary:Summary
This is a Municipal Services Taxing Unit (MSTU) Special Projects Fiscal Year 2021 Funding Request for the Florida Dream Center; a non-profit organization that realizes its mission to restore dreams, renew hope, and rebuild lives by bridging the gap between at-risk residents and social economic equality. Regardless of homelessness, disability, poverty level, military veteran status, elderly challenges, victimization (human trafficking or domestic), felony history or life struggle, our goal is to encourage an improved quality of life.
This funding will go toward the Florida Dream Center’s Pantry to Life program by paying for a portion of the total cost of a new van for a mobile food pantry, which reduces food insecurity for low-income, transportation-disadvantaged residents. The Florida Dream Center (FLDC) has a Mobile Food Bank program that understands these challenges and tailors its food distribution process by taking food directly into the neighborhoods that need it the most. During the week, our food bank distributes to 40 different locations including local churches, organizations, shelters, and other pantries. In 2020, we distributed 252,640 pounds of food to local pantries, 378,079 pounds of food delivered in bulk to other facilities (veteran villages, low-income apartments, churches, shelters, community centers), and we received food from 170 suppliers.
It is understood the not-to-exceed grant amount of $20,000.00 will not be adequate to purchase the van without additional funding. Any financial gaps between the MSTU funding and the actual total cost of the van will be paid for by the Florida Dream Center utilizing capitalized expenditure funds set aside in their annual budget.
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Background Information:
The community need addressed by this grant is food insecurity and food deserts within Pinellas County, which were problematic prior to the pandemic and were only exacerbated by it. Transportation is also a challenge for many residents in these areas.
Food insecurity is defined as a limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate foods which is highly correlated with consequences of negative health outcomes. These health outcomes include but are not limited to poor physical, cognitive, and socioemotional development among children and chronic health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity among adults.
Fiscal Impact:
The request for funding in the amount of $20,000.00 is a one-time expenditure of MSTU Special Projects funds. Funding is appropriated and available in the FY21 Adopted Budget. The cost of the entire project is expected to exceed the maximum MSTU award amount. The amount over the $20,000.00 will be paid for by the Florida Dream Center.
Staff Member Responsible:
Christopher D. Moore, Assistant to the County Administrator, Lealman Community
Partners:
Florida Dream Center
Attachments:
Florida Dream Center FY21 MSTU Special Projects Funding Request Application Form
Florida Dream Center FY21 MSTU Evaluation Criteria Form
Florida Dream Center cargo van pictures and quotes