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The Minnesota State Set-Aside Committee and National Board for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program has recommended funds be awarded to Freeborn County in southeastern Minnesota for Phase 37 and CARES Act supplemental funding, according to a press release. The federal funds are awarded through the Department of Homeland Security-FEMA and used for people in need of emergency food and shelter.

The local board is made up of food shelves, the Salvation Army, Human Services, local human services agencies, Women’s Resources, Veteran Services, Semcac 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 from the national board, local government or private voluntary organizations chosen to receive funds must:

• Be non profit

• Have a checking account and accounting system

• Practice nondiscrimination

• Have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs

• Have a voluntary board if private, not-for-profit

Qualifying organizations may apply by Friday.

Anyone wishing for more information about the emergency food and shelter program and how to apply for funding should contact Linda Lares at Semcac, 2202 Stevens St., Albert Lea, MN 56007; or at 507-373-1329.