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County budget director says ARPA-funded food programs mostly active; Akron-Canton partner distributed 15,000 pounds since January
Summary
Portage County staff told commissioners May 1 that three local food programs have transferred ARPA allocations to the Akron‑Canton Regional Food Bank and that the regional bank has distributed more than 15,000 pounds of food since January.
Portage County's director of budget and finance provided an update May 1 on the county's $1 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds allocated in June 2023 to support local food programs.
The director said three of the county's food programs transferred their ARPA allocations to the Akron‑Canton Regional Food Bank for administration; those partner programs have received orders and, since January, "over 15,000 pounds of food has been distributed," the director reported. The director said Akron‑Canton is not charging the county its usual administrative fee for managing the allocations.
Nine programs remain managing their own allocations; staff said most of those are distributing food and submitting reimbursement requests, but a small number are "a little slow" to request reimbursement. County staff said the administrative burden of fronting purchases and completing reimbursement paperwork prompted the opt‑in transfers to Akron‑Canton for some programs.
Portage County has engaged a consultant (named in the record as Julian and Groove) to check in with smaller, volunteer-run programs to help resolve distribution and reimbursement delays. The county plans a joint review with consultant and Akron‑Canton in early July to evaluate progress and next steps.
The director said roughly $300,000 of the original allocation remained available as of the last review (timing described as "a few months ago"); staff emphasized the county has until the end of 2026 to submit reimbursement requests and close out the allocation. "We have until the end of 26," the director told the board. Commissioners did not take additional formal action on the update; it was presented as an informational report.
Why it matters: The update touches food security and use of ARPA funds at local pantries. Transferring administration to an established regional food bank can reduce administrative burden for volunteer organizations, while the county retains responsibility for oversight and final reimbursement processing.
Next steps: County staff will continue regular check‑ins with the remaining grantees, coordinate with Akron‑Canton and the consultant, and report back as the July review approaches.
