Mower County received money to help plan ahead for emergencies.

The Minnesota State Set-Aside Committee for the FEMA Emergency Food and Shelter Program has recommended $5,414 be awarded to Mower 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 Salvation Army, Veterans Services, Austin and Mower County Housing and Redevelopment Authority, United Way, churches, Semcac, Human Services, 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, 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 April 10.

Anyone wishing for 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 55971-0549, (507) 864-7741.