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The Minnesota State Set-Aside Committee and National Board for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) have recommended funds be awarded to Dodge, Fillmore, Houston, Mower and Steele Counties in Southern Minnesota for Phase 37 and CARES ACT Supplemental funding. These 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 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 meet the following criteria:

• Be non-profit;

• Have a checking account and accounting system;

• Practice non-discrimination;

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

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

Qualifying organizations may apply by June 26. Anyone wishing for more information about EFSP and how to apply for funding should contact Wendy Todd at Semcac, P.O. Box 549, Rushford, MN 55971-0549, or call 507-864-7741.