To: Sonoma County Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Human Services
Staff Name and Phone Number: Paul Dunaway 565-3673, Tracy Repp 565-5982
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): All
Title:
Title
CalFresh Expansion Revenue Contract with California Department of Aging
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Recommended Action:
Recommended action
Adopt a resolution authorizing the Director of Human Services to execute a contract with the State of California Department of Aging to receive funding for the Sonoma County Area Agency on Aging for a total amount of $37,783 and to execute future amendments to adjust for revenue changes.
end
Executive Summary:
The Human Services Department received funding for CalFresh Expansion from the California Department of Aging requiring a resolution adopted by the Board of Supervisors to receive the funding.
Discussion:
California implemented a historic expansion to its CalFresh program (known as food stamps formerly and SNAP federally), impacting hunger and food security for low-income older adults and people with disabilities throughout the State. On June 1, 2019, California’s new CalFresh rules went into effect, permitting Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients to apply for CalFresh (known as the “CalFresh Expansion”), marking this the first time that SSI recipients have been eligible to receive CalFresh in over 40 years. The change will increase nutrition and health and reduce hunger and poverty for older adults and people with disabilities. The term of the contract for this program is June 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020.
Many recipients of SSI are not aware that they are now eligible to receive CalFresh. To be able to widely reach newly eligible individuals, the California Department of Social Services, which administers the CalFresh program, has provided funding to local Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) to assist in carrying out Outreach and Application Assistance to AAA target populations: low-income older adults and people with disabilities. The Sonoma County Area Agency on Aging received $11,181 for Outreach and $26,602 for Application Assistance, a total amount of $37,783.
CalFresh is for people with low-income who meet federal income eligibility rules and want to add dollars to their budget to put healthy and nutritious food on the table. The average amount a person would receive through this expansion is $15 to $192 per month. This additional funding does not cover the entire cost of monthly food needs as it is meant as a supplement to existing food resources. For example, older adult meals programs such as home delivered meals and senior lunch programs at congregate meal sites are part of a network of food options available in providing nutritious food for those that do not have access or ability to pay for food that meets their monthly need.
Outreach Activities include performing educational and informational efforts to inform current non-participating but potentially eligible low-income households about the availability, eligibility requirements, and application procedures, provide information about the nutritional benefits of CalFresh, and allow individuals to make an informed decision about whether to apply based on accurate information.
Application Assistance includes helping individuals to complete the CalFresh application, gathering verification documents and providing support to the individual during the application phase which can lead to a more complete application, fewer trips to the local office, and easier processing for the eligibility worker.
Prior Board Actions:
None
Fiscal Summary
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Expenditures |
FY 19-20 Adopted |
FY20-21 Projected |
FY 21-22 Projected |
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Budgeted Expenses |
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Additional Appropriation Requested |
$37,783 |
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Total Expenditures |
$37,783 |
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Funding Sources |
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General Fund/WA GF |
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State/Federal |
$37,783 |
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Fees/Other |
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Use of Fund Balance |
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Contingencies |
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Total Sources |
$37,783 |
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Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
There is no local match requirement and no County General Fund is needed. The Human Services Department (HSD) will add $37,783 to revenues for its Adult & Aging division in recognition of the augmented funds from the California Department on Aging (CDA.) Expense appropriations will also be increased by the aforesaid amount to reflect the expanded CalFresh service that the division will offer to senior citizens of Sonoma County.
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Staffing Impacts: |
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Position Title (Payroll Classification) |
Monthly Salary Range (A-I Step) |
Additions (Number) |
Deletions (Number) |
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Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
N/A
Attachments:
Resolution
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None