TO: The Honorable Board of County Commissioners
THROUGH: John Titkanich, Jr., County Administrator
Michael C. Zito, Deputy County Administrator
Susan Prado, Deputy County Attorney
Cynthia Emerson, Community Services Director
FROM: Megan Kendrick, Human Services Administrator
DATE: September 23, 2025
SUBJECT: Florida Department of Health Food Pantry Memorandum of Agreement
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BACKGROUND
The Human Services Division manages critical County programs designed to improve the social and economic well-being of residents. These services include emergency financial assistance for rent, utilities, indigent cremations, access to prescription medications, and food assistance programs.
As part of the food assistance program, The Human Services Division has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with United Against Poverty for a food voucher program and has had an ongoing partnership with the County Health Department and Treasure Coast Food Bank to support the Wabasso Food Bank.
The proposed Memorandum of Agreement formalizes the partnership between the Community Services Department, Indian River County Health Department, and Treasure Coast Food Bank to ensure continued collaboration and a coordinated approach to providing food assistance for Indian River County residents.
ANALYSIS
This Memorandum of Agreement outlines the responsibilities of both Indian River County Community Services and Indian River County Health Department in supporting local food assistance services through the Treasure Coast Food Bank. The County agrees to ensure that all program activities comply with Treasure Coast Food Bank regulations, actively market and promote the Food Pantry to the community, and remit payment for invoices related to pantry inventory purchases.
Both parties mutually agree that the Agreement will begin on the date of the second signature and remain in effect through June 30, 2027. The Agreement may be terminated by either party without cause upon thirty (30) days written notice, delivered either by certified mail with proof of delivery or by hand delivery with proof of delivery. For the purposes of this Agreement, the County’s designated contact is Cindy Emerson, Community Services Department Director, and the Department’s designated contact is Miranda Swanson, Administrator.
BUDGETARY IMPACT
There is no budgetary impact, as this item is just a formalized Memorandum of Agreement for services that have already been in effect.
POTENTIAL FUTURE BOARD ACTIONS
Renewal of the Memorandum of Agreement upon its expiration on June 30, 2027
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
Quality of Life
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff respectfully recommends that the Board of County Commissioners approve the Memorandum of Agreement between Indian River County Community Services and Indian River County Health Department to support the continuation of food assistance services for County residents.