Food Related Capital Grants -
First Round Allocations
The Community Services Committee recommends the adoption of the following report (June7,1999) from the
Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services:
Purpose:
To request approval for two food related capital grants requests.
Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
An amount of $100,000.00 has been reserved within the approved 1999 Consolidated Grants Budget for this program, with
a maximum of $50,000.00 set aside for major capital requests in excess of $1,000.00.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1)pending Council approval of the report, titled "Allocation Criteria for a Food Related Capital Grants Program" on
June 9, 10 and 11, 1999, that the Food For All Street Kids (Ontario) Inc. be allocated funding up to $30,000.00, and that
the Christie-Ossington Neighbourhood Centre be allocated funding up to $9,000.00; and
(2)the appropriate City officials be authorized and directed to take the necessary action to give effect thereto.
Council Reference/Background/History:
At the Budget Committee meeting of April 6, 7, and 8, 1999, the Committee directed that "$100,000.00 be ear marked in
the Consolidated Grants budget for the express purpose of providing capital funding, on a one-time only basis, for the
purchase of refrigerators, ovens, etc., on an emergency basis for volunteers providing food to the homeless, the said
funding to be at the sole discretion of the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services." This direction was
approved by Council as part of the 1999 approved Operating Budget.
On May 10, 1999, the Municipal Grants Review Committee approved a report, titled "Allocation Criteria for a Food
Related Capital Grants Program," which established the guidelines for the administration of the food related capital
funding. The report was considered by the Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee on June 1, 1999, and recommended
for Council consideration. One of the administrative requirements recommended was that requests for funding in excess of
$1,000.00 be forwarded to the Community Services Committee and Council for approval.
Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:
Since the time the allocation criteria report was considered at the Municipal Grants Review Committee, two requests for
funding in excess of $1,000.00 have been received by staff. The requests are time sensitive and are, therefore, being
brought forward to the Community Services Committee, in anticipation of Council approval of the report providing for the
allocation criteria.
Food For All Street Kids (F.F.A.S.K):
This organization collects and distributes food to 22 youth serving organizations located across the City of Toronto. It is a
volunteer run organization with very low overhead costs. F.F.A.S.K. has secured central warehouse space at low cost and
solicits an average of 25 tons in food donations every two weeks. F.F.A.S.K. primarily serves the food needs of youth
serving agencies and has clarified its role with respect to other food distribution agencies in order to avoid potential
duplication. Staff have confirmed the need for F.F.A.S.K. services with several key youth serving agencies which receive
food donations through F.F.A.S.K.
The organization has requested funds specifically for the purchase of: a compressor, fork lift, industrial shop vac, and
partial payment for a used van. Costings for the compressor, fork lift, and industrial shop vac have been submitted by the
agency, totalling $20,000.00. They are currently negotiating the purchase of a used van and are requesting a $10,000.00
City contribution to this purchase.
It is recommended that an allocation of up to $30,000.00 be authorized, pending receipt of the required documentation
from the applicant.
Christie-Ossington Neighbourhood Centre:
The Christie-Ossington Neighbourhood Centre provides a range of services in the Bloor-Christie-Ossington area of the
City, including a homeless initiatives program. The agency has requested $9,000.00 for the purchase of a used van. The
vehicle will be used in partnership with the Fred Victor Centre through a shared use agreement, which builds on the
successful collaboration between the two organizations over the last two years. The vehicle purchase will result in
increased community capacity to access food and resources through two established centres serving east and west Toronto
homeless populations.
Conclusions:
Allocation recommendations for the F.F.A.S.K. and the Christie-Ossington Neighbourhood Centre are being brought
forward at this time due to the time sensitive nature of the requests. Staff will ensure that the final cost estimates undergo
the required review prior to the signing of funding Letters of Agreement and the release of funds.
Contact Name:
Chris Brillinger
Tel: 392-8608
