Department: Public Health Services
Department Head/Elected Official: Leah Barton - Interim Executive Director
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Grant
Project ID (if applicable): N/A
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): U.S. Food and Drug Administration
MWDBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): N/A
MWDBE Current Participation (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% MWDBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
title
Request by Public Health Services for approval to submit an application to the National Environmental Health Association/U.S. Food and Drug Administration for grant funds in the amount of $370,500, with no required match, for the 2025 Retail Flexible Funding Model (RFFM) Grant Program.
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Background and Discussion:
In 2022, Harris County Public Health's Environmental Public Health division applied to and was awarded funding from the Retail Flexible Funding Model (RFFM) grant program. This program provided resources to EPH's food safety program to promote, maintain, and advance FDA Retail Food Program Standards. These standards provide a comprehensive framework for regulatory food safety programs to prevent foodborne illnesses and promote public health. For the Calendar Year 2025, PHS seeks to renew funding through the RFFM in three categories: 1) Maintenance and Advancement, 2) Capacity-Building, and 3) Training.
Expected Impact:
EPH's Food Safety Program aims to reduce foodborne illnesses and strengthen food safety capabilities in Harris County and the surrounding region. The RFFM grant will significantly enhance the program's capacity to evaluate inspection processes, train regulatory staff, and improve foodborne illness and food defense preparedness and response. The Capacity-Building Optional Add-On will sustain the Retail Program Standards Coordinator position, which serves to ensure continuous improvements in food safety practices and guide the departme...
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