The local Emergency Food and Shelter Program boards in Dodge, Freeborn, Fillmore, Houston, Mower and Steele counties will have 2011 allocations meetings during March and April. Funds for 2011 are not guaranteed, but the National EFSP Board is encouraging local boards to meet in anticipation of funding. The money is used to provide food and shelter services to households in crisis. The local boards are made up of Women’s Resources, Veteran Services, Semcac, food shelves, Salvation Army, Human Services, local housing agencies and other interested organizations. The local board determines how the funds are to be distributed among emergency food and shelter programs run by local service organizations in the area. Under the terms of the grant from the National Board, local governmental or private voluntary organizations chosen to receive funds must: be non-profit or an agency of government, have an accounting system, have a Federal Identification Number, have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs, practice non-discrimination, and have a voluntary board if private, not-for-profit. Qualifying organizations may apply.

Anyone wishing more information about the Emergency Food and Shelter Program and how to apply for funding should contact Wendy Todd, Semcac, P.O. Box 549, Rushford, MN 55971, 864-7741.