Baltimore's Board of Estimates approved Wednesday spending $17,828.50 in federal stimulus money toward food and party rentals at a rally promoting prenatal health, according to city officials.
Mayor Sheila Dixon is to speak at the event, scheduled for Sept. 26 at Clifton Park, according to the Board of Estimates agenda.
It is being organized by the city's health department to "raise awareness" about infant mortality in the city and will include "villages" where attendees can receive information about staying healthy while pregnant, financial planning, mental health, nutrition and how to care for an infant, according to the agenda.
The city has the second-highest rate of infant mortality in the state, said Wanda Watts, a special assistant to the Mayor's Office of Community and Human Development. In 2007, she said, 112 Baltimore babies died before reaching their first birthday.
Watts said that it is typical to have food at city events, and said one purpose is to demonstrate healthy eating habits. "It will be fruit, granola bars, those types of things," Watts said.
Scott Peterson, a City Hall spokesman, said that despite tight budgets, the Dixon administration wants to "do our best to reach our community in every possible way.
"What is the price you put on keeping people informed and health-conscious?" he added.
City officials estimate 500 people will attend, and $6,700 will be spent paying Class Act Catering to provide food. The catering company is owned by James E. Britton, a partner in the Baltimore City Entertainment Group, the sole bidder on a gambling license for a Baltimore casino. The rest of the funds, $11,128.50, will be to rent tents, tables and chairs from Fun Depot Party Rentals for the event, according to the agenda.
