Commissioners advance state food‑purchase grant and small youth‑services addendum to next week's consent agenda

County staff told commissioners that the state’s Food Purchase Program (SFPP) allocation for Centre County nearly doubled for fiscal year 2025–26 after a change to the state allocation formula that added federal poverty level weighting. Faith, who represents Adult Services, said the larger allocation is welcome but comes with a six‑month spending window and that staff are preparing partnerships and purchasing plans to get food to local pantries and partners such as Central PA Food Bank.

"This is almost double increase than we've received in previous years," Faith said, noting the department will use available buying power and local vendors to stock pantries for upcoming holiday needs.

Commissioner Concepcion moved to add the Department of Agriculture grant agreement to next week's consent agenda; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.

Separately, Kathy presented contract addendum #3 with the Centre County Youth Service Bureau for an additional $15,675, increasing the contract maximum to $697,510. Kathy said most of the funds are state grants from the Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Programs and the Department of Human Services and that the county match of $69,783 is within the 2025 budget. Commissioners moved and approved adding that addendum to next week's consent agenda by voice vote.

Both items were advanced to the consent agenda for formal approval next week; staff said the SFPP and youth services funding will be processed through the consent agenda and executed electronically once approved.