Moore County has been chosen to receive $40,834 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county.

The selection was made by a national board that is headed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and consists of representatives from the Salvation Army, American Red Cross, United Jewish Communities, Catholic Charities USA, National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. and United Way of America.

A local board was charged to distribute funds appropriated by Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas around the country.

The board is made up of representatives from the United Way of Moore County, the Salvation Army, American Red Cross, the Moore County Department of Social Services and others. It will determine how the funds awarded to Moore County are to be distributed.

The funds will be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service agencies in the area. The local board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds available under this phase of the program.

Under the terms of the grant from the national board, local agencies chosen to receive funds must:

- Be private voluntary nonprofits or units of government.

- Have an accounting system.

- Practice nondiscrimination.

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

- If they are a private voluntary organization, they must have a voluntary board.

Qualifying agencies are urged to apply.

Moore County has distributed emergency food and shelter funds previously to with the Salvation Army, Coalition for Human Care, Sandhills Interfaith Hospitality Network, the Food Bank, MANNA! and Friend to Friend. These agencies were responsible for providing meals and nights of lodging.

Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds must contact the United Way of Moore County at 375-D Southeast Broad Street in Southern Pines or call 692-2413 for an application.

The deadline for applications to be returned to the United Way office is March 24. Applications will not be taken after the deadline.