Key West Begins Disbursing Food-insecurity Funds to Local Nonprofits
Funding could be released as soon as this afternoon; Non-profits encouraged to apply by Dec. 31 deadline.
The City of Key West has begun disbursing emergency funding to local human service providers aimed at addressing food insecurity on the island, an initiative the city announced on social media Tuesday.
The City Commission on Dec. 10 approved up to $75,000 for local nonprofits to ensure residents have access to food. Through a fast-track application process, qualified organizations may apply for grants of up to $7,500.
City Manager Brian Barroso has approved the first two disbursements, authorizing $7,500 each for the Florida Keys Outreach Coalition and AH Monroe. The funds were expected to be distributed as early as Tuesday afternoon.
Five organizations have applied so far, according to the city. The Finance Department is reviewing all applications to confirm eligibility. In addition to the two approved grants, applications from Center of Prayer Ministries Inc., Cornish Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church and Bethel A.M.E. Church remain under review.
“I appreciate the Finance Department’s continued work in reviewing the remaining applications and look forward to updates as additional funding requests are finalized,” Barroso said in a statement.
Applications are available on the city’s website under a “Human Services Form” link near the top of the homepage. Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to qualified applicants, and the commission set a deadline of Dec. 31 to apply.
City officials urged all organizations that operate programs addressing food insecurity in the community to submit applications.