Submitted By
Dr. Theresa Chapple, Public Health Director
Reviewed By
A.M. Zayyad, Deputy Village Manager
Agenda Item Title
Title
A Resolution Authorizing the Submission of an Application with Experimental Station for a Link Up Illinois Grant with an Anticipated Funding Amount of $18,000 and Approval of Subsequent Agreements and Authorizing their Execution
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Overview
Overview
With the Link Up Illinois grant application, the Department seeks to provide access to healthy foods for SNAP participants at the Oak Park Farmers’ Market. This grant will allow the Health Department to provide $25 in matching funds to each Link customer.
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Recommendation
Recommendation
Adopt the Resolution.
Background
The Public Health Department will work with Experimental State/Link Up Illinois to increase the affordability and accessibility of nutritious Link-eligible foods sold at the Oak Park Farmers’ Market for low-income patrons, rebuilding linkages between local agricultural producers and consumers. This grant helps achieve this goal by providing the Oak Park Farmers’ Market with funding for the Double Value Coupon incentive programs for Link Card (Illinois' SNAP program, formerly known as “food stamps”) shoppers. The Farmers’ Market provides up to $25 matching funds to each Link customer using this program.
Fiscal Impact
The Public Health Department has depended on grant funding to allow the Village to provide matching funds for Link customers. If the Public Health Department is not approved to apply/receive grant funds from Link Up Illinois then the Village will be unable to provide matching funds for low income shoppers. Alternatively, staff would need to request to amend the adopted budget in order to provide these services.
DEI Impact
This program serves low-income individuals by providing them free coupons redeemable at the Oak Park Farmers’ Market to encourage the purchase of fresh fruit and vegetables.
The aim of the program is to support the people living in food deserts and who are otherwise underserved when it comes to opportunities to buy nutritious groceries.
The Farmers’ Market has administered a SNAP/Link program for many years. By analyzing data from sales, the Market Manager is able to track amounts of purchases and demographic data from program participants. This data allows for the Health Department staff to plan for funding and growing the program through grants.
Because the Market has returning SNAP/Link customers, staff has regular contact with them throughout the Market season. A survey of program participants is a possible engagement strategy.
By making quality produce available and affordable at the Market to people with a wide range of incomes, this program promotes the inclusion of low-income individuals in our community events and programs. This program increases the diversity of shoppers and customers at the Farmers’ Market.
Alternatives
If the Public Health Department is not approved to apply/receive grant funds from Link Up Illinois, then the Department will not be able to provide matching funds for low income shoppers. Alternatively, staff would need to request to amend the adopted budget in order to provide these services.
Previous Board Action
Prior to 2020, previous grant applications were approved by the board.
Citizen Advisory Commission Action
N/A
Anticipated Future Actions/Commitments
Staff anticipates applying for this grant annually for the foreseeable future.
Intergovernmental Cooperation Opportunities
The Farmers’ Market often collaborates with Senior Services through the Township. Seniors often utilize the matching funds program funded through this grant.