AUBURN — Good Shepherd Food Bank has announced the third round of its Community Redistribution Fund, geared toward supporting grantees’ efforts to source and distribute culturally important foods to community members in need.

This grant opportunity is for organizations working closely and primarily with BIPOC (Black and Indigenous people and People of Color), and submissions are being accepted.

“Good Shepherd Food Bank recognizes that poverty and food insecurity disproportionately impact people of color. As the largest hunger-relief organization in the state, we are committed to redistributing resources directly to organizations and coalitions,” said Jessica Gildea, program manager for Good Shepherd Food Bank’s Youth and Families Initiatives program. “These organizations are committed to meeting the needs of immigrants, refugees, Indigenous communities and communities of color and need support.”

The fund’s long-term goal is to transfer decision-making power to the grantees using a community-led grant-making model. Previous grantees are encouraged to apply. Community-led organizations in Maine, led by and primarily serving people of color, and efforts that are not currently Good Shepherd Food Bank partners will receive priority.

Use of grant funds can include but is not limited to: the purchase of food for direct distributions or meal preparation; gift cards/credits to culturally important markets for community members; food sovereignty projects; farming/agriculture projects; transportation; storage; and distribution costs. Up to 10% of grant funds can cover general operating expenses.

Previous grantees include the United Youth Empowerment Services & Masjid Al Salaam — Lewiston. Funds support a new food pantry.

Grassroots, community-led organizations and coalitions, fiscally-sponsored, and collaborative projects are encouraged to apply.

Individuals are not eligible to receive grant funds. For more details on the application process and to apply, visit feedingmaine.com/crf.

Comments are not available on this story.