FARMINGTON – Franklin County has been awarded $19,346 in federal funds to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county, said Nancy Morgan, executive director of the Tri-Valley United Way.

The United Way administers the annual funds received from the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board, she said.

Groups that have not received funding before are being asked to apply with the United Way by March 24 so that people can start getting paperwork in to receive funding, she said.

“We want this to turn around quickly and get this money into their hands as soon as possible,” she said.

While the United Way administers the fund, a local board, including representatives of churches, government agencies, food banks and homeless people, oversees the program. The board determines how the money awarded to Franklin County will be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs.

Amounts are determined by the percentage of population and the number of people served, she said. Most food pantries have higher numbers this year, she added.

Grant terms require organizations chosen to be private, voluntary nonprofits with accounting systems that practice nondiscrimination, and demonstrate the ability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs. As a private voluntary organization, they must have a voluntary board.

Public or private organizations interested in applying must contact Morgan at the Tri-Valley United Way office at 232 Broadway, P.O. Box 126, Farmington, ME 04938 or call 778-5048.