Report to: General Committee – Finance & Admin. Date Report Authored: March 19, 2010

SUBJECT: Markham Food Bank Funding Request

PREPARED BY: Fred Rich, Senior Business & Risk Analyst

RECOMMENDATION:

1. THAT this report be received for information;

2. AND THAT staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

1. Purpose 2. Background 3. Discussion 4. Financial

5. Others (HR, Strategic, Affected Units) 6. Attachment(s)

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this report is to summarize discussions between Staff and the Markham Food Bank regarding the Markham Food Bank’s grant request for the 2010-11 operating year.

BACKGROUND:

The Town of Markham has provided the Markham Food Bank (MFB) with several grants over the past 11 years assisting in their lease expenses. The MFB provides support to approximately 1,000 Markham residents per month, with each recipient receiving a 3 day food package once per month. The MFB relies on passive donations from local business and residents and does not actively seek donations from the community.

On March 10, 2010 the MFB met with Town Staff and Councillor Webster regarding their 2010-2011 operating year. The MFB identified that their annual lease at 70 Main Street will expire March 2010, after which the lease will be month to month as the 70 Main street building is slated for demolition later this year. As a result of this demolition the MFB has potentially secured a new location at Anderson Ave. with a similar per square foot rate to the 70 Main Street location. However, MFB will incur additional costs in 2010 associated with their move to the new facility including the leasehold improvements costs which include the purchase of new shelving. To assist the MFB with their moving costs the Region of York has approved a one time grant of $10,000 for the purchase of their new shelving.

OPTIONS/ DISCUSSION:

At the March 10 meeting the MFB requested a $40,000 one time grant from the Town of Markham to assist in their moving costs and lease expenses. With the understanding that the Town has provided funding to the MFB over the past several years and that the MFB annual donation drive is very passive in nature, Council Webster proposed that the MFB consider a more dynamic donation campaign in which the Town of Markham could provide administrative support. In addition to the Town administrative support, Councillor Webster proposed lending his name in support of the fundraising campaign. To further assist in the fundraising campaign the Town will include the MFB on the Markham Page and other Town advertising median. Councillor Webster will also send out a letter to the Corporate Community to seek funding for the MFB.

Town Staff believe that this type of campaign should increase donation revenues for MFB to the point that the MFB shouldn’t require further financial support from the Town.

MFB had a positive response to Councillor Webster’s proposal and support having the Town help develop the 2010 fund raising campaign.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS AND TEMPLATE:

The Town’s financial support would be minimal, limited to postage, printing and internal staff costs.

ATTACHMENTS: Markham Food Bank 2010 Budget