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Approve a contract with Innovative Health Solutions for $85,894 to develop activities related to sustainability of the work done through the CalFresh Healthy Living Program for the period of October 1, 2025 through April 30, 2026; and Delegate authority to the County Administrator to execute the contract and any subsequent amendments, with County Counsel concurrence, up to a total aggregate of $74,999
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Health and Social Services (H&SS) recommends that the Board of Supervisors approve a contract with Innovative Health Solutions for $85,894 to develop activities related to sustainability of the work done through the CalFresh Healthy Living Program for the period of October 1, 2025 through April 30, 2026; and Delegate authority to the County Administrator to execute the contract and any subsequent amendments, with County Counsel concurrence, up to a total aggregate of $74,999.
SUMMARY:
The California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) CalFresh Healthy Living Program previously funded the Solano County Department of Health and Social Services, Public Health Division, Nutrition Services Bureau to provide community-based nutrition education and obesity prevention activities.
In August 2025, H&SS Public Health Division (PH) was informed that funding from CDPH’s CalFresh Healthy Living Program grant would end on September 30, 2025, with an option for local agencies to request a one-time grant to perform close-out activities related to the CalFresh Healthy Living program. PH requested $162,390 to be utilized from October 1, 2025 through April 30, 2026. PH, Nutrition Services plans to utilize a portion of the grant to contract with Innovative Health Solutions for a total of $85,894. Innovative Health Solutions will work to develop tools, engage community partners, and pursue funding opportunities for the community-based work to continue beyond the grant period.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Appropriations for this contract are included in the Department’s FY2025/26 Working Budget. Funding is provided through a grant from the California Department of Public Health's CalFresh Healthy Living program for Federal Fiscal Year 2026. There is no financial impact to the County General Fund.
The cost of preparing the agenda item is nominal and included in the Department’s FY2025/26 Working Budget.
DISCUSSION:
PH launched the CalFresh Healthy Living Program in 2014. During the program's eleven years numerous strides were made to fulfil the program’s goal of supporting healthy, active, and nourished lifestyles by educating residents on good nutrition and methods for stretching food dollars. Activities have included the establishment of collaborative relationships, provision of health education through classes and educational materials, and the acquisition of equipment to provide targeted services, such as equipment necessary to implement community gardens.
In 2023, PH, in partnership with the CalFresh Healthy Living Program and Innovative Health Solutions, achieved the Leaders in Eating and Activity Practices (LEAP) Award. Four schools in Solano County were recognized: Anna Kyle Elementary School for Special Recognition in Physical Activity, Armijo High School for Special Recognition in Gardens, Dan O. Root Elementary School for Special Recognition in Gardens, and David Weir School for Special Recognition in Nutrition and Physical Activity.
The proposed contract with Innovative Health Solutions is to support close-out activities for the CalFresh Healthy Living Program. The activities include developing a sustainable system to strengthen and continue CalFresh Healthy Living Program efforts beyond the funding end date of April 30, 2026. The contract includes strategies in partnership development focusing on sustaining the Food and Nutrition Network Solano (FANNS). In addition, the contractor will pursue alternative revenue streams for the work, report achievements using the Program Evaluation and Reporting System, and make an inventory and distribution system for resources available to community partners. The goal is to create a lasting infrastructure that supports nutrition education and promotes healthy eating and active living across Solano County.
This contract will ensure the work that has been done by Solano Public Health’s CalFresh Healthy Living Program continues to promote nutrition, physical activity, and food security for residents of Solano County.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may choose not to approve this contract with Innovative Health Solutions. This is not recommended because it would prevent CalFresh Healthy Living's close-out activities from occurring at the level required for a program with eleven years of longevity.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Department of Health and Social Services worked with Innovative Health Solutions to develop this contract.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION