WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Sam Farr (D-Carmel) on Tuesday announced that nearly $700,000 has been awarded to the Central Coast by the Emergency Food and Shelter Program.

The following counties will receive funds:

Monterey County: $384,153
San Benito County: $52,130
Santa Cruz County: $247,789
"California is suffering badly from the continuing economic crisis, and these EFSP funds will help many at-risk families on the Central Coast," said Rep. Farr. "As Congress continues its efforts to create jobs and revive our economy, these kinds of programs are vital to help those most harmed."

Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds were first authorized by Congress in 1983 and are appropriated annually under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. With the 2010 allocation, more than $3.6 billion in federal aid will have been disbursed during the program's history.

The grant will fund assistance to support social service agencies in cities and counties across the country to help feed and shelter the nation's hungry and homeless. Funds are used to supplement food, shelter, rent, mortgage and utility assistance programs for people with non-disaster related emergencies.

The program is administered by a national board of voluntary agencies and is chaired by FEMA. Member agencies of the National Board include a diverse cross section of social service organizations. The national board qualifies local jurisdictions for annual EFSP awards based on criteria involving current population, unemployment and poverty levels. Awards are then disbursed to local nonprofit organizations and government agencies in the eligible jurisdictions.