Approve an Ordinance authorizing and approving the grant agreement between the City of Houston (COH) and the Health and Human services Commission (HHSC) for the Women, Infant and Children (WIC) Nutrition Grant Program under the new Contract No. HHS001503400016. The current project period is October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, with an estimated award amount of $12,743,085.00. The grant performance period is from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2030, with a projected award amount of $63,715,425.00.
Specification Explanation:
The Director of the Houston Health Department (HHD) recommends City Council approve an ordinance authorizing and approving the grant agreement between the COH and HHSC for the WIC Program under the new Contract No. HHS001503400016 for the continued administration of the WIC Program. The current project period is October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, with an award amount of $12,743,085.00. The grant performance period is from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2030, with a projected award amount of $63,715,425.00.
The WIC program plays a crucial role in ensuring that the health and nutrition of low-income pregnant women, infants and children are met. WIC provides access to nutritional education, support and referral to other health and social services. The program is designed to ensure that participants receive proper nutrition during critical stages of pregnancy and early childhood development. In FY25, HHD provided services to 687,373 WIC participants.
HHD requests the City Council hereby authorize the Mayor, without further City Council action, to execute all related contracts, agreements, amendments, extension or renewal of the contract and documents in connection with the above-mentioned Grant, with the approval of the City Attorney. HHD requests the Director, or his designee, is designated as the official authorized to accept and expend the funds, as awarded, for the purpose of this Grant program and to apply for and accept all subsequent awards, if any, pertaining to the above-mentioned. The Mayor and the Director are authorized to execute all documents accepting current and future grant funds for the project period, or for a grant performance period not to exceed 5 years.
Grant Source:
The funding for this project is from the Texas State Health and Human Services Commission.
Fiscal Note(s):
No fiscal note is required on grant items.
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Stephen L. Williams, M. Ed. M.P.A
Director, Houston Health Department