HomeMy WebLinkAboutExhibitGrocery Gift Card Distribution — CARES Rapid Response Program — Nov -Dec 2020
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY — NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION
Background
On March 27th, 2020, the President of the United States signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and
Economic Security Act (the "CARES Act"). Miami -Dade County received an amount of $474 million to be used
for Covid-19 related expenditures. On September 11, 2020, the County and the City executed an interlocal
agreement allowing $8.554 million to be used by the City to assist residents affected by Covid-19. The funds
must be expended by December 30, 2020. The funds will be provided to the City on a reimbursement basis.
Gift Card Program $3.554 Million
This program provides Grocery Shopping gift card (i.e. Publix gift card) in an amount of $250 for November
2020 and December 2020 to residents affected by COVID-19. Such residents will sign an application indicating
that they are City of Miami residents and have been affected economically by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Assistance will be provided on a first come first served basis. Program will be administered by the Department
of Human Services, with distribution occurring thru all Commissioner's offices and the Mayor's office.
The following documents will be required:
• State of Florida issued picture ID card with a City of Miami address.
• A signed application that the resident has been affected by Covid-19.
Goal: Distribute 14,216+ gift cards @ $250 each = $3.554 Million.
24 days (weekdays available, excluding holidays starting the week of November 23rd)
15t allocation of grocery gift cards purchased was 10,000 at a discount of $237.50 per card or $2,375,000.
Remaining balance is $1,179,000 ($3,554,000-$2,375,000 = $1,179,000) to purchase additional gift card.
The City would have to distribute 593 cards per day on average to achieve this goal and draw down the funds.
According to the County representative, purchasing the cards alone is not enough. It is considered an
"expense" and reimbursable when the resident signs the affidavit and receives a grocery card in hand.
Clarification on the following:
- One grocery gift card per household
- Must have a State issued ID. (For seniors, or the elderly that do not drive, the following can also be
used; a Social Security letter with a City of Miami address, Medicare letter with a City of Miami
address, utility statement in their name with a City of Miami address), but only if they do not have a
valid Florida issued photo ID.
For adequate distribution Commission has agreed upon:
- To have all (5) Commissioner Offices coordinate the distribution sites which can change throughout
the program. Also partner with elder and housing centers. (Locations, operational hours and events
need to be finalized for distribution).
- IT developed a central online data capturing tool that must be used to with each completed
application and supporting documentation. A central database is required to enter the name and
address of each resident receiving a Grocery Gift Card for the City to be reimbursed.
- The signed application and supporting documentation can be upload using a mobile phone or desktop
computer with a scanner. This is considered the data record created of each recipient.
- It is vitality important that each application be legible and easy to read.