Title
Phoenix Food Day and Healthfest Partnership with Junior League of Phoenix (Ordinance S-46641)
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Junior League of Phoenix for the 2020 through 2022 Phoenix Food Day events. The Junior League of Phoenix desires to continue to partner with the City of Phoenix with a total contribution of $26,696 (2020-$6,696; 2021-$10,000; 2022-$10,000) for various event expenses. Further request to authorize execution of amendments to the Memorandum of Understanding as necessary within the Council-approved expenditure authority as provided below, and for the City Controller to disburse all funds related to this item.
Report
Summary
The first Phoenix Food Day was held for city employees only in 2013. The event was focused on healthy eating, growing food, nutrition and was a resounding success. In subsequent years, the event was opened to the public, held downtown near City Council Chambers and attendance grew.
Since then, the goal for the event has shifted to serve those most impacted by hunger and food insecurity by hosting the event in food desert areas. Currently, the event is held for two to three years in a specific location within a food desert area and strives to empower partners to continue the event. Events have been held in these locations:
• 2016 and 2017 - Edison-Eastlake area, 16th Street and Jefferson.
• 2018, 2019, and 2020 - Maryvale - Cartwright Community Garden, 4208 N. 51st Ave. (the 2018 event was rained out, therefore, the desire is to host the event again at this location in 2020). The Cartwright School District and its families experience hunger and food insecurity with an average of 85 percent of its students provided with free or reduced-cost lunch. Isaac and Alhambra School Districts are also invited to participate in the event.
The Office of Environmental Programs (OEP), as Local Food System Goal Leader, has taken responsibility for coordination of the Phoenix Food Day and Healthfest events held annually in October. The annual budget is dependent on sponsor/partner contributions and varies from year to year. Event activities are offered within the constraints of the available annual budget. The event is free and open to the public.
OEP’s partnership with the Junior League of Phoenix (JLP) for the 2019 event was a success and has resulted in JLP committing funding on an annual basis through 2022. The long-term partnership will enable the event to continue to take place with the level of education, services, and family friendly activities that have been a trademark of the event. JLP is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. Phoenix Food Day aligns directly with their mission. In addition to the financial contribution, JLP members volunteer to serve on the event planning committee and provide support the day of the event, and bring resources from their vast network.
Phoenix Food Day offers several interactive exhibits for children and families to learn about nutrition, fitness, physical and mental health, tips to take home to assist in making healthy choices, as well as information about resources in their community that can enable a healthier lifestyle. There are cooking and gardening demonstrations that teach about healthy, affordable, and sustainable food. The Healthy Kids Zone includes obstacle courses and exercise classes to promote physical activity.
Partners for previous events have included: Milwaukee Brewers, Fry’s/Kroger, Vitalyst Health Foundation, Cartwright School District, Valley of the Sun United Way, University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Grand Canyon University, Maricopa County Food System Coalition, and Green on Purpose. City staff from Public Works, Neighborhood Services, Parks and Recreation, Office of Sustainability, and Fire departments serve on the event planning committee.
Given the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, event feasibility will be re-evaluated 60 days prior to the scheduled calendar event to ensure that it is safe to move forward based on recommendations, mandates, and restrictions announced by federal, state, and local governments. If mutually agreeable to both parties, the event may be postponed to a later date.
Contract Term
The term of the Memorandum of Understanding is from June 1, 2020 through May 31, 2023.
Financial Impact
JLP is contributing a total of $26,696 solely for Food Day expenses as agreed upon in the Memorandum of Understanding. It is expected that the total amount received will be spent.
Public Outreach
Public outreach for the event includes notifications through PHX at Your Service newsletter; Neighborhood Services newsletter, social media, website, flyers at community and recreation centers. Partners provide outreach through their networks, including notifications to students and parents within the school district. Funds are also allocated for paid advertising.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Karen Peters and the Office of Environmental Programs.