The national board of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program has awarded $18,398 to Freeborn County. The money is used to provide emergency food and shelter to people in need of them. The local board is made up of the local food shelf, churches, Semcac, social services, Salvation Army 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: 1. be nonprofit, 2. have an accounting system and conduct an annual audit, 3. practice non-discrimination, 4. have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food or shelter programs, and 5. if they are private voluntary organization, they should have a voluntary board. Qualifying organizations may apply.

Anyone wishing more information about the Emergency Food and Shelter Program and how to apply for funding should contact Linda Lares, Semcac, 2202 Stevens St., Albert Lea, MN 56007, 373-1329.