Title
Request Retroactive Approval to Apply for a One-Time Supplemental Funding to Enhance Nutrition Services- Districts 1, 3, 4, 5, 7 & 8
Description
This report requests retroactive approval from the Community Services and Education Subcommittee, which serves as the City of Phoenix Head Start Birth to Five Governing Board, to authorize the Human Services Department Head Start Birth to Five Program to apply for one-time supplemental funding. This funding will enhance nutrition services and promote healthy eating for children and families enrolled in the Head Start Birth to Five program, sourced from the United States Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families. This request is for Fiscal Year 2025-26.
THIS ITEM IS FOR CONSENT ACTION.
Report
Summary
The Head Start Birth to Five Program receives funding through the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families for two programs.
- (1) Early Head Start, which serves 252 children from birth to age three and their families, either at home or in center-based settings.
- (2) Head Start Preschool, which serves 1,957 children aged three to five in a center-base program.
These programs provide vital nutrition services, ensuring access to healthy, nutrient-rich foods while reducing ultra-processed foods and added sugars. Proper nutrition supports children's growth, development, and learning. This strengthens their immune system and prevents childhood obesity chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. However, some programs have reported that limited funding can be a barrier to improving or expanding their nutrition services and support for healthy eating. To address this, the Office of Head Start is offering one-time supplemental funding.
The Office of Head Start has released a Program Instruction for grant recipients to request supplemental funds to enhance nutrition services and promote healthy eating for enrolled children and families. Applications are due by August 22, 2025. Awards will be based on the effectiveness of the proposed model in addressing community needs with a focus on areas with the greatest nutritional challenges.
The Head Start Birth to Five Program's submittal will request funds for materials, supplies, small equipment, such as countertop dishwashers for sanitizing bottles, food prep equipment, blenders, and ingredients for food experiences. These food activities will be documented in a cookbook that will be given to each family for home use, and a copy for the classroom. Nutritional parent training will be offered to emphasize the importance of healthy eating.
Contract Term
The City of Phoenix, as the Grantee, is in the second year of a five-year grant for the Head Start Birth to Five program, which began on July 1, 2025. The remaining three years of the five year contract term are July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2029. This request does not change the terms of the contract.
Financial Impact
Funding for the Head Start Birth to Five program is available through the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families. There is no impact to the General Fund.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
The Head Start Birth to Five Policy Council approved this request on August 11, 2025.
Locations
Alhambra Elementary School District, 4510 N. 37th Avenue
Cartwright Elementary School District, 5220 W. Indian School Road
Deer Valley Unified School District, 20402 N. 15th Avenue
Fowler Elementary School District, 1617 S. 67th Avenue
Isaac School District, 3348 W. McDowell Road
Laveen Elementary School District, 5601 W. Dobbins Road
Murphy Elementary School District, 3140 W. Buckeye Road
Pendergast Elementary School District, 3802 N. 91st Avenue
Phoenix Elementary School District, 1817 N. 7th Street
Riverside Elementary School District, 1414 S. 51st Avenue
Roosevelt Elementary School District, 6000 S. 7th Street
Washington Elementary School District, 4650 W. Sweetwater Avenue
Wilson Elementary School District, 3025 E. Fillmore Street
Council Districts: 1, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Gina Montes and the Human Services Department.