HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-10-18; Economic Development Subcommittee; ; Minute Motion Regarding Addressing Food Insecurity{city of
Carlsbad
Economic Development Subcommittee
Meeting Date:
To:
From:
ltem#4:
Recommendation:
Oct. 18, 2021
Economic Development Subcommittee
David Graham, Chief Innovation Officer
Minute Motion Regarding Addressing Food Insecurity
Discuss the minute motion originally assigned to the Ad Hoc Economic Revitalization Subcommittee and
provide direction.
Discussion:
During the COVID-19 health emergency the City Council and the former ad hoc economic revitalization
subcommittee discussed food insecurity in Carlsbad. City staff engaged with food service providers,
gathered data and issued several memos to the City Council. This culminated in a report to the City
Council on Feb. 9, 2021. Based on that report, the City Council passed a minute motion referring the
issue to the ad hoc subcommittee to make a budgetary recommendation on addressing food insecurity.
The subcommittee discussed the issue but did not come to a consensus recommendation ahead of the
FY 2020-21 budget approval.
On June 15, 2021 the ad hoc subcommittee was sunset, and the new standing economic development
subcommittee was created. On Aug. 16, 2021 the new subcommittee the subcommittee laid out a
general workplan for the items the committee would hear consistent with the duties outlined by its City
Council formation. Staff are seeking direction from the new subcommittee regarding the food insecurity
issue and addressing the City Council minute motion ..
Since the City Council passed its minute motion on Feb. 9, 2021 the landscape of the economic impacts
related to the pandemic have changed. Businesses have reopened, unemployment has decreased, and
assistance from federal, state, and local governments have continued to flow. At the same time, food
insecurity issues were present prior to the pandemic, were exacerbated during the health emergency,
and still remain today.
There are many organizations involved in addressing food insecurity including the federal, state, county,
and city government. Businesses, non-profit organizations, and philanthropic groups all play a part as
well. Given the complexity of the situation and the changing circumstances of the pandemic staff these
three options for consideration:
1. Begin food insecurity discussions in the new economic development subcommittee and develop
a recommend for the FY 2022-23 budget
2. Refer the issue of addressing food insecurity to the FY 2022-23 budget discussions
3. Refer the issue of addressing food insecurity back to the full City Council with no
recommendation
The subcommittee could choose to not select one of the three options and provide an alternative
direction.
Oct. 18, 2021 Item #4 Page 1 of 2
Economic Development Subcommittee -Staff Report
Oct. 18, 2021
Item 4-Page 2
Fiscal Impact:
All fiscal impacts associated with any of the options provided can be addressed using budgeted staff
time and resources. There is no additional fiscal impact at this time.
Next Steps:
Following any action from the subcommittee, staff recommends that a memorandum be prepared and
issued to the city council related to the minute motion referring the issue of a budgetary
recommendation on food insecurity to the former ad hoc subcommittee.
As stated in the Feb. 9, 2021 staff report to the City Council, staff continues to engage with food
assistance providers to monitor and identify needs and opportunities to address food insecurity. The
Senior Center provides food assistance to vulnerable seniors its meal program. When collaboration or
funding opportunities arise to address food insecurity, staff can work with any involved parties.
Oct. 18, 2021 Item #4 Page 2 of 2