Fitchburg Committee Meeting on Healthy Neighborhoods Grant Redesign - August 5, 2026

The committee met on August 5, 2026, with four members present (Caitlin Eunice, Emmanuel Munoz, Chabooser Oka, and one other). The primary agenda item was Resolution R 15426, approving the redesign of the Healthy Neighborhoods Grant Program for 2027, while providing $20,000 each to three food pantries to maintain continuity. The meeting also included approval of minutes from July 8, 2026, a brief department report, and an announcement that the next meeting is canceled.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (July 8, 2026): Motion by Joe, seconded, passed unanimously without discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public appeared in person or online.

Discussion Items

• Resolution R 15426 – 2027 Grant Redesign: Staff introduced the resolution to redesign the Healthy Neighborhoods Grant Program, which has operated for about 10 years. Currently, service providers submit proposals; the new model would have the city identify specific neighborhood needs (e.g., childcare, parks) and issue RFPs to address gaps. For 2027, funding will be maintained at $20,000 each for Rooted River Food Pantry, Allied Food Pantry, and Badger Prairie to ensure continuity during the redesign year.
• Clarification on Redesign Goals: Councilmember Sharif asked for a fuller understanding of the redesign’s objective. Staff explained that the current process is reactive, and the redesign aims to be proactive by first gathering data from city departments, residents, schools, nonprofits, and social workers to identify neighborhood-specific priorities. The new grant structure would be rolled out in 2028.
• Timeline and Milestones: Staff outlined a loose timeline: rest of 2026 dedicated to data collection and synthesis; early 2027 to identify gaps and begin drafting new grant documents; final approvals needed by late August/September 2027 to launch in 2028. Councilmember Joe noted that the motion to fund existing food partners was proposed to avoid a gap in services during the redesign.
• Committee Support: Members expressed support for taking a deliberate approach to redesign, with Councilmember Caitlin Eunice emphasizing that the current cycle was consuming all meeting time without allowing strategic reflection.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution R 15426 passed unanimously (4-0). The resolution authorizes $20,000 each to Rooted River Food Pantry, Allied Food Pantry, and Badger Prairie for 2027, and commits the committee to redesigning the Healthy Neighborhoods Grant Program during 2027 for implementation in 2028.
• Next Steps: Staff will collect community input and data through the end of 2026, then synthesize findings and draft new program documents in early 2027. The committee will be involved in the redesign process. The next regular meeting is canceled.