Title
Resolution to Approve a Professional Services Agreement with VegMichigan for Various Efforts to Engage, Educate, and Work to Advance Sustainable and Plant-Forward Diets ($165,000.00)
Memorandum
In June 2023, City Council approved a Professional Services Agreement with VegMichigan to advance work around a plant-forward diet (R-23-254). Covered within the scope of services of that contract were six actions:
1. Design community educational materials
2. Host plant-based challenges
3. Conduct local business engagement
4. Provide plant-based policy support
5. On demand support to expand plant-based diets
6. Biweekly check-ins
That contract was for $45,000.00 per year for three years ($135,000.00 total). After nearly two years of engagement work with VegMichigan, the Office of Sustainability and Innovations ("OSI") would like to expand the scope of services, increase the annual compensation amount, and extend the term of the contract. The reasons for this are the impact, efficacy, positive feedback, and criticality of the work VegMichigan is doing with the City. As one demonstration, through collaboration with VegMichigan in just the last 9 months, we've been able to engage with over 1,900 Ann Arbor residents on sustainable food choices, with more than 550 trying plant-based eating for the first time through the 30-day Plant-Based Pledge. As another example, in just the last several weeks, OSI and VegMichigan have been working with local restaurants to introduce more plant-based options into their menus.
These examples demonstrate the depth and breadth of impact VegMichigan and OSI are having regarding introducing the Ann Arbor community to more sustainable food options. And, given the positive and welcoming way that VegMichigan staff interact with members of the public, restauranteurs, and others, OSI is excited to see this collaboration grow.
Given the proven impact VegMichigan is having in helping advance the City's sustainable food work as ...
Click here for full text