Primary Department: Purchasing
Primary Department Head/Elected Official: Kimberly J. Williams, JD
Secondary Department: Public Health Services
Secondary Department Head/Elected Official: Leah Barton
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Contract - Award
Project ID (if applicable): 220162
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): Small Places
MWBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): N/A
MWBE Current Participation (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% MWBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable):
Justification for 0% Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): Choose an item.
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
title
Request by the Office of the Purchasing Agent that the County Judge execute an agreement with Small Places in the amount of $30,000 for continuation of support and close-out services of reducing food insecurities for Public Health Services for the period of October 16, 2025 - February 28, 2026 (220162), Justification for 0% MWBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request.
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Background and Discussion:
Small Places is a community-focused initiative dedicated to improving food access and equity in targeted ZIP codes. The program partners with hyperlocal vendors, farmers, and food distributors to provide nutritious, culturally relevant food to the communities it serves. In collaboration with local organizations, Small Places works to reduce barriers to food access, strengthen neighborhood food systems, and support small businesses. With the support of ARPA funds, the initiative has been able to expand its farm operations and enhance conditions within its store and facility, furthering its capacity to meet community needs.
Expected Impact:
This investment will ensure uninterrupted food access for Houston’s East End by equipping Small Places with the infrastructure needed to withstand severe weather and grid outages. With backup power for refrigeration and store operations, fresh produce will remain available when it is needed most. A dedicated farm truck will strengthen daily operations and emergency response, while professional installation guarantees safe and reliable use of new systems. Together with existing solar and rainwater systems, these upgrades advance a long-term vision for a climate-resilient food hub, providing neighbors consistent, dependable access to healthy food before, during, and after climate disruptions.
Alternative Options:
N/A
County Strategic Plan Goal: 4. Improve physical and mental health outcomes across all communities.
County Strategic Plan Objective: Choose an item.
Justice/Safety Initiative (Goal 1): Choose an item.
Infrastructure Initiative (Goal 2): Choose an item.
Economy Initiative (Goal 3): Choose an item.
Health Initiative (Goal 4): N2: Increase food/nutrition education and access to healthier food.
Climate/Resilience Initiative (Goal 5): Choose an item.
Housing Initiative (Goal 6): Choose an item.
Additional notes related to the Strategic Plan:
Prior Court Action (if any): N/A
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Action Taken |
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Location: N/A
Address (if applicable): N/A
Precinct(s): Choose an item.
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Fiscal and Personnel Summary |
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Service Name |
Continuation of Support and Close-Out Services of Reducing Food Insecurities for Harris County Public Health Services |
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Current Fiscal Year Cost |
Annual Fiscal Cost |
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Labor |
Non-Labor |
Total |
Recurring Expenses |
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Funding Sources |
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Existing Budget |
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1040 - FLEX Fund |
$4,750 |
$25,250 |
$30,000 |
$ |
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Choose an item. |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
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Choose an item. |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
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Total Existing Budget |
$4,750 |
$25,250 |
$30,000 |
$ |
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Additional Budget Request (Requires Fiscal Review Request Form) |
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Choose an item. |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
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Choose an item. |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
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Choose an item. |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
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Total Additional Budget Request |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
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Total Funding Sources |
$ |
$ |
$30,000 |
$ |
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Grants - Proposed Budget (For Grants Items only) |
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Labor |
Non-Labor |
Total |
No. of Grant Years |
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Local Match Source - Existing Budget: Choose an item. |
$ |
$ |
$ |
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Local Match Source - Additional Budget Request: Choose an item. |
$ |
$ |
$ |
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Grant Funds Applied for/Awarded (Total) |
$ |
$ |
$ |
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Personnel (Fill out section only if requesting new PCNs) |
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Current Position Count for Service |
- |
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Additional Positions Request |
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Total Personnel |
- |
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Anticipated Court Date: 10/16/2025
Anticipated Implementation Date (if different from Court date): Click or tap to enter a date.
Emergency/Disaster Recovery Note: ARPA related item
Contact(s) name, title, department: Dr. Ericka Brown, Director of Community Health and Wellness Division, Public Health Services, Gisselle Zapata, Sr. Contract Manager, Purchasing
Attachments (if applicable): Letter, Agreement.