COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Health Department

DATE:

October 30, 2008

BOARD MEETING DATE:

November 18, 2008

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Majority

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Charlene A. Silva, Director, Health Department

Mary Hansell, Director, Family Health Services Division

SUBJECT:

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

RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt a Resolution authorizing the President of the Board to execute an Agreement with the Institute for Human and Social Development for San Mateo County to provide food and nutrition services up to a maximum amount of $836,059 for the term of September 5, 2008 through September 4, 2009.

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 Measures:

Measure

FY 2007-08
Actual

FY 2008-09
Projected

Percent of children in Head Start eating healthier as a result of the program.

* 100%

90%

* Actual performance exceeded program goals.

BACKGROUND

The Institute for Human and Social Development (IHSD) is a nonprofit organization that provides child development services for children from birth through five years throughout San Mateo County. IHSD 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 IHSD is Head Start, a federally-funded program that provides 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. Family Health Services Division has been providing meals to Head Start sites for several years.

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 2006, 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 this percentage. Children at Head Start sites are served meals without excess fat, sodium and sugar and include whole grains, beans and fresh fruits and vegetables which exceed federal nutritional requirements. With an emphasis on healthy foods, the program encompasses the spirit of the County’s Blueprint for Prevention of Childhood Obesity.

DISCUSSION:

This Agreement with the IHSD 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 five days a week. For many of the children, these are their main meals of the day. Children receive a variety of ethnic meals designed to reflect the diverse populations of San Mateo County. The program has become a model among pre-school and child care providers in the 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 note that students try foods they might not have been willing to eat in the past.

County Counsel has reviewed and approved the Agreement and Resolution as to form and content.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The term of the Agreement is September 5, 2008 through September 4, 2009. The total dollar amount of the Agreement is $836,059. Rates for breakfast, lunch and snacks are: $1.89, $3.28 and $0.97 respectively, and represent a rate increase since last fiscal year of approximately 4%. The total amount paid by the contractor will depend on the actual number of meals and snacks served. This amount is included in the Family Health FY 2008-09 Adopted Budget. There is no Net County Cost.