COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Health Department

DATE:

December 4, 2006

BOARD MEETING DATE:

December 12, 2006

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Majority

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Charlene A. Silva, Director, Health Department

Brian J. Zamora, Director, Public Health and Environmental Protection Division

SUBJECT:

Agreement with Institute for Human and Social Development (Head Start) to provide Food and Nutrition Services

RECOMMENDATION

Adopt a resolution authorizing execution of an agreement with the Institute for Human and Social Development for the County to provide Food and Nutrition Services for the term of September 5, 2006 through September 4, 2007, in the amount of $725,800.

VISION ALIGNMENT

Commitment: Ensure basic health and safety for all.

Goal 5: Residents have access to health care and preventive care.

This agreement contributes to this commitment and goal by providing healthy meals to children in Head Start programs in order to improve their overall health and reduce the risk of chronic disease.

Performance Measure:

Measure

FY 2005-06
Actual

FY 2006-07
Estimated

Percent of children eating more fruits and vegetables because of the program.

85%

90%

Percent of children eating healthier as a result of the program.

84%

85%

BACKGROUND

The Institute for Human and Social Development is a nonprofit organization that provides comprehensive child development services for children from birth through five years throughout San Mateo County. Through their child care centers, family child care homes and home-visiting programs, the Institute offers early education and development services and strives to establish a foundation for children and families to achieve their fullest potential and effectively contribute to a changing society. A specific program offered by the Institute is Head Start, a federally funded program that provides child development and educational programs as well as support services for children ages three to five and their families. Children who participate in this program are served meals and snacks throughout the day. Food and Nutrition Services has been providing nutritional healthy meals and snacks to Head Start sites for several years under an informal arrangement.

The prevalence of overweight low-income children in San Mateo County is high compared to the rest of the State. According to the Pediatric Nutrition Surveillance System Overweight Data for 2004, 46% of low-income children in this County are overweight or obese. The County Blueprint for Prevention of Childhood Obesity Task Force is actively working to reduce these percentages.

DISCUSSION

This agreement with the Institute for Human and Social Development will allow the County to provide healthy and culturally appropriate breakfasts, lunches and snacks to approximately 500 low-income children at 19 Head Start sites each day. For many of the children, these may be their main meals of the day. The children at Head Start sites are served meals that include whole grains, beans and fresh fruits and vegetables, without excess fat, sodium and sugar, which exceed federal nutritional requirements. Children receive a variety of ethnic meals designed to reflect the diverse populations of San Mateo County. This program has become a model among pre-school and childcare providers in San Mateo County due to its nutritional content and variety. Parents have commented on customer surveys, “Our children get really good food here,” and Head Start teachers have noted the students trying foods they might not have been willing to eat in the past. With the emphasis on healthy foods, this meal program encompasses the spirit of the County’s Blueprint for Prevention of Childhood Obesity.

County Counsel has reviewed and approved the agreement.

FISCAL IMPACT

The term of the agreement is from September 5, 2006 through September 4, 2007. The total dollar amount of the agreement is $725,800, which equates to a rate of $2.76 per meal and $0.82 per snack. Total amount paid by contractor will depend on the actual number of meals/snacks served. Revenue and expenditures related to this agreement have been included in the FY 2006-07 Adopted Budget. There is no Net County Cost.