Board of County Commissioners adds another $5 million to nonprofit food relief programs
The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners voted on Wednesday to extend the County’s support of nonprofit food relief programs with another $5 million. This is the second $5 million allocation from the federal American Rescue Plan to fight food insecurity in Hillsborough County.
It is estimated that the population of County residents who face challenges with food access has grown from about 180,000 to 260,000 during the past two years. The racial disparity in food insecurity remains as the numbers have grown during the pandemic. Focusing on food insecurity with American Rescue Plan funding helps to meet the act’s objective of an equitable recovery addressing the most vulnerable and underserved residents in the community.
The County will continue to partner with existing food providers to supply meals in the community. These partners include Feeding Tampa Bay, Metropolitan Ministries, East Tampa Business and Civic Association, and the United Food Bank & Services of Plant City.
About the Hillsborough County American Rescue Plan Investment Plan
The Hillsborough County American Rescue Plan Investment Plan, approved by the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) on Sept. 1, 2021, provides a framework for investing the $285 million in federal Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds in the community. The funding will support vital projects throughout the county related to water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure; public health response; negative economic impacts; and revenue replacement for certain government services. Projects funded by Hillsborough County must meet the guidelines established by the federal government while addressing the County’s unique community needs and reflecting the BOCC’s collective values in addressing residents’ needs. The nonprofit food relief program is one of the programs funded under this plan by the BOCC.
Original source can be found here.
