Information

Type: Deliberation

Department: PHSS - Public Health & Social Services

Directors' Update: Nov. 20, 2024

Business Meeting: Nov. 26, 2024

Summary:

The purpose of this agreement is to facilitate strong relationships and effective communication channels among Washington State’s emergency food response networks, including county and state government agencies and local hunger relief organizations.

To fill continued gaps in emergency food resources, funding will be used for county-directed procurement and distribution of emergency food to hunger relief organizations as part of a state alternative to the federal USDA Farmers to Food Box program. This agreement is part of the state’s coordinated response to increase farm and food business viability, reduce food access barriers for socially disadvantaged communities, and increase food security for all Washingtonians while contributing to long-term emergency preparedness and food system resilience.

Publications:

Cover Letter To: Andrea Litzow Please email executed contract to Andrea.Litzow@Agr.wa.gov

Additional Copies To: Kendra Garrison, Marylynne Kostick, Jill Nielson, Bryan Hall, Carolyn Rofini, Grace Jimenez, Michelle Sauter, Sherri Dokken

Resolution

WHEREAS, the Lewis County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has reviewed Interagency Agreement #K5560 between The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) and Lewis County; and

WHEREAS, the purpose of this agreement is to provide incoming funding that will help to facilitate strong relationships and effective communication channels among Washington State’s emergency food response networks, including county and state government agencies and local hunger relief organizations; and

WHEREAS, to fill continued gaps in emergency food resources, funding will be used for county-directed procurement and distribution of emergency food to hunger relief organizations as part of a state alternative to the federal USDA Farmers to Food Box program; and

WHEREAS, the contract duration is October 28, 2024, or upon execution, whichever is later, through June 30, 2025; and

WHEREAS, the total maximum consideration of this contract is $71,757.99; and

WHEREAS, it appears to be in the best public interest to authorize the execution of said contract.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the BOCC hereby approves Interagency Agreement #K5560 to receive incoming funding up to $71,757.99 for the purpose of contracting with WSDA to provide emergency food response and hunger relief services for persons who reside in Lewis County; and the BOCC authorizes the Director of Public Health & Social Services to sign the same.

DONE IN OPEN SESSION this 26th day of November, 2024.