Penobscot County will receive $64,360 in federal funding to supplement emergency food and shelter programs, it was announced Friday by the United Way of Eastern Maine and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

A board of representatives from organizations including FEMA, the Salvation Army, American Red Cross, and United Way of America distributed the funds appropriated by Congress to help expand food and shelter programs in high-need areas around the country.

A local board chaired by John Bragg of N.H. Bragg and Sons will determine how the funds awarded to Penobscot County are to be distributed among local service organizations. The local board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds available under this phase of the program.

Only nonprofit organizations that meet certain requirements qualify for the funds. For information, contact Norma Proulx at United Way of Eastern Maine at 941-2800 no later than Dec. 28, 2001.