ST. CLOUD -- The United Way of Central Minnesota is accepting applications for the 2013 Emergency Food and Shelter Program.

The United Way was approved for $96,166 in federal funding that will be used to provide emergency food and shelter for people in Stearns, Benton and Sherburne counties.

The United Way put together a board of community partners to help determine what organizations are eligible to receive part of the federal funding.

Christine Midthun is the director of community relations for the United Way of Central Minnesota. She says the funding doesn't come from the United Way.

Midthun says our three local counties were part of 12 counties in the region to receive federal funding through the Emergency Food and Shelter program.

Funding levels were awarded based on area poverty and the average unemployment statistics over the last 12 months from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Last year funds went to organizations like Anna Marie's Alliance and The Salvation Army.

The application deadline to receive funding is 5:00 p.m. Friday.

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