1 STAFF REPORT
DATE: November 26, 2024
TO: Justin Hess, City Manager
FROM: Marisa Garcia, Park, Recreation and Community Services Director VIA: Erin Barrows, Recreation Services Manager
BY: Roxana Tabibi, Social Services Supervisor - Nutrition
SUBJECT: Approval to Accept $ 679,500 from the Los Angeles County Aging and Disabilities Department, Modernizing Older California ns Act Funding to Contracted Elderly Nutrition Program Older American Act Title III C -1 and Title III C-2 Services and Amend the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget
RECOMMENDATION
1. Accept $679,500 from the County of Los Angeles Aging and Disabilities Department, Modernizing Older Californians Act (MOCA) funding to extend the Contracted Elderly Nutrition Program (ENP) Older Americans Act Title III C-1 and Title III C-2 Services.
2. Amend the Adopted Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-2025 Budget upon receipt of the grant funds in FY 2024-2025 by appropriating $426,900 from revenue account 001.PR000.48010.1007.000000 (General Fund, Other Intergovernmental Revenue, Los Angeles County Aging and Disabilities Department Nutrition State C1) to expenditure account 001.PR42A.623 00.0000.000000 (General Fund, Supplemental Nutrition Program, Special Department Supplies) and appropriating $252,600 from revenue account 001.PR000.48010.1008.000000 (General Fund, Other Intergovernmental Revenue, Los Angeles County Aging and Disabilities Department Nutrition State C2) to account number 001.PR42A.62300.0000.00 0000 (General Fund, Supplemental Nutrition Program, Special Department Supplies).
BACKGROUND
Since 1973, the City of Burbank (City) has been dedicated to offering congregate meals (C-1) and home -delivered meals (C-2) to seniors through its Supplemental Nutrition Services Program (Program). The Program is responsible for providing over 121,000 C-
2 1 and C-2 meals annually. The primary goal of the Program is to provide nutritious , balanced meals within a safe, friendly, supportive group setting in conjunction with a variety of community-based services that maximize seniors’ independence and quality of life.
In 2003, the Los Angeles (LA) County Department of Workforce Development, Aging and Community Services established its ENP and entered into an agreement with the State of California to implement the ENP. LA County receives funding to support the ENP and partners with local agencies to assist in providing congregate meals and supportive service programs. Funds are allocated to sub -recipients for a one -year ENP sub-award term with three annual renewal options for a maximum term of four years.
Since March 2020, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the operation and demand of the City’s Nutrition Program has evolved significantly. The Nutrition Team has implemented various meal distribution models, including creative options such as drive - thru delivery and grab-and-go services, in addition to the traditional congregate meal and home-delivery methods. Although the drive-thru delivery method has been discontinued, the grab-and-go program continues to be offered, reflecting the increased demand for senior nutrition programs that has impacted operations and funding.
The Hybrid Meal Distribution Program
C-1 provides mobile seniors with nutritious lunches in a congregate setting five days a week and a grab-and-go service two days a week at three sites (Joslyn Adult Center, Tuttle Center, and McCambridge Recreation Center) . The three-course, on-site lunches in a group setting provide opportunities for socialization and companionship. Income is not verified for program participation, but a contribution is accepted. The suggested contribution for seniors aged 60 and older is $2 per meal, while individuals aged 59 and younger are required to pay a $4 fee per meal.
The Home Delivered Meal Program
C-2 offers meals seven days a week for individuals who meet the following criteria: frail and homebound by reason of illness, disability, or otherwise isolated; the spouse of any older individual who is in the program (regardless of age or condition); and any disabled person who resides at a home with an older individual. In addition, the C-2 Program offers a grab-and-go service two days a week. The ENP grant prohibits the City from charging seniors for their meals, and income verification is not required to participa te in the program. However, voluntary contributions are welcome, and the suggested contribution amount is $3 per meal. Home delivered meals are transported from the Program’s central kitchen at McCambridge Recreation Center via City-owned vehicles to eligible recipients or via approved registered Burbank Volunteer Program volunteers equipped with City hot bags and ice chests to ensure proper food temperatures.
3 Meals for both Programs are currently being prepared by Tender Loving Care (TLC), an approved caterer in LA County. City staff located at the McCambridge Recreation Center’s central kitchen also contribute to meal preparation. The meals comply with State and County laws, ensuring the safe and sanitary management of food, equipment, and supplies, encompassing storage, preparation, service, and delivery. As of October 30, 2024, TLC will be terminated due to its inability to meet LA County dietary guidelines and the challenges of the long commute for me al deliveries. This decision will significantly impact operations and create an urgent need for a reliable replacement. To address these concerns, the City will transition to Trio Community Meals (Trio), a caterer listed on the LA County Approved Caterers list. Trio currently serves several ENPs in neighboring cities and agencies, preparing thousands of meals per month. They have the necessary capacity and are equipped to support the City’s operations.
DISCUSSION
Despite an increase in the number of meals served, budgeting has not kept pace with the demand, resulting in insufficient funds to adequately support the program. Staff has been proactive in providing the County with all necessary supporting documents, securing baseline funding in July 2024 under the Older Americans Act (OAA) in the amount of $637,200. Recognizing that this baseline funding would not fully meet operational needs, staff requested additional funds from the County to sustain the program. In response, the County recently approved an amendment with supplementary funding to cover operations through the end of the year.
The City’s ENP has been awarded $679,500 in MOCA funds to sustain the existing lunch program for seniors, extending through June 30, 2025. This allocation includes $426,900 for Title III -C-1 services and $252,600 for Title III -C-2 services for FY 2024 -25 (Attachments 1 and 2).
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This activity involves administering services to senior and disabled populations and administrative changes to the FY 202 4-2025 Adopted Budget and has no potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment, and as such, is not a “project” subject to the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) 14 Cal.
Code Regs § 15378.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funding for the City’s Supplemental Nutrition Services Program is included in the FY 2024-25 Adopted Budget. The ENP funding from the County provides revenue to offset a portion of the program costs. The maximum revenue anticipated from the LA County Aging and Disabilities Department is $637,200. However, in September 2024 the City 4 received an additional $679,500 for a total of $1,316,700 from LA County to support the Program. The additional $679,500 in funding will be allocated as follows:
Title III-C-1 Hybrid Meal Distribution $426,900
Title III-C-2 Home Delivered Meals $252,600
Total $679,500
The General Fund subsidizes less than $743,534.80 annually, which can fluctuate depending on donation revenues received. To date, the City has received approximately $90,000 in nutrition donations, resulting in a General Fund subsidy of approximately $653,534.00.
Staff requests that Council accept the additional $679,500 MOCA funds and amend the FY 2024-2025 Budget as follows:
1. Appropriate $426,900 from revenue account 001.PR000.48010.1007.000000 (General Fund, Other Intergovernmental Revenue, Los Angeles County Aging and Disabilities Department Nutrition State C1) to expenditure account 001.PR42A.62300.0000.000000 (General Fund, Supplemental Nutrition Program, Special Department Supplies).
2. Appropriate $252,600 from revenue account 001.PR000.48010.1008.000000 (General Fund, Other Intergovernmental Revenue, Los Angeles County Aging and Disabilities Department Nutrition State C2) to account number 001.PR42A.62300.0000.000000 (General Fund, Supplemental Nutrition Program, Special Department Supplies).
CONCLUSION
The Supplemental Nutrition Services Program allows the City to provide vital services that enhance the independence, socialization, and quality of life for senior residents. Council’s acceptance and approval of $679,500 in MOCA Funding allocation supports contracted ENP for both congregate and home-delivered meals services.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1 – FY 2024-2025 County of LA Aging and Disabilities Department ENP Allocation Letter (MOCA) Funding
Attachment 2 – FY 2024-2025 County of LA Aging and Disabilities Department MOCA Funding Amendment Two