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Contract Amendment - WIC Program Nutritionist Services
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INFORMATION CONTACT:
Stephanie Starr, Human Services Agency - Community Support and Outreach, Department Director, 704-296-4302
ACTION REQUESTED:
Authorize the County Manager to 1) negotiate and execute an agreement with Nutrition Plus of Greenville, Inc. substantially consistent with this agenda item, 2) exercise any renewal or extension term options set forth in the Agreement, and 3) terminate the Agreement if deemed in the best interest of the County, each in the County Manager's discretion.
PRIOR BOARD ACTIONS:
July 17, 2023, Regular Meeting, Agenda Item # 23-444 - Approved Contract Amendment
BACKGROUND:
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is part of the Union County Human Services Agency’s Community Support and Outreach Division. WIC serves to safeguard the health of low-to-moderate income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infant and children up to age five (5) who are at nutritional risk. The WIC program provides nutritious foods to supplement diets, referrals to health care and education on healthy eating from specially trained WIC nutritionists.
As a result of COVID-19 and other current events, many families have been faced with economic hardships, leading to a significant sustained increase in the need for WIC services. In FY20, our clinic served an average caseload of 2,909 clients per month. Year to date, our monthly average has increased to 3,684 clients, representing a growth of approximately 27%. To ensure that clients and new applicants are served in accordance with Federal regulations, we have contracted with Nutrition Plus, who provides us with one FTE of a WIC Nutritionist. Our original contract with Nutrition Plus, Contract #7982, was executed on 12/1/22 with a not to exceed amount of $25,000; an amendment was approved on 4/13/23 adding $24,500 to the not to exceed amount of $25,000, for a total of $49,500. Neither of these required board action. On 7/17/23, the BOCC approved a contract amendment, which increased the not to exceed amount on the contract from $49,500 to $107,500 and extended the contract end date to 6/30/24. An amendment was approved on 1/25/2024 adding $31,040, which did not require board action and increased the not to exceed amount to $138,540.
To address the growing needs, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) has continually adjusted the allocation of funds to WIC clinics that serve more than 100% of the caseload assigned by the state. Consequently, Union County WIC has received an overall funding boost for FY25. As a result, we are seeking to utilize $25,000 from this increased funding to increase the not to exceed on the Nutrition Plus of Greenville, Inc. Contract from $138,540 to $163,540 and amend our existing contract expiration date with Nutrition Plus from 6/30/2024 to 9/30/2024.
The Human Services Community Support and Outreach Department has utilized the contractual services of Nutrition Plus of Greenville, Inc. since December 2022. The contractor has been effective and efficient in meeting our service needs, and we are requesting to continue the service for an additional three months.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The anticipated cost for this service is $25,000 and is dependent upon the FY2025 annual BOCC budget appropriation.