Polk County has qualified to receive a $19,804 grant from the federal government to support local emergency food and shelter programs.

The Cedartown United Fund will receive $6,604 of the grant to distribute to local families in need of food and assistance in paying their utility bills.

Gail Maddox, administrator of the CUF, said that she will soon be taking applications for emergency food and assistance with power bills.

Maddox said that the only requirements to receive assistance are that the applicants must live in Cedartown. She said that she will require a power bill in order to provide payment. She also mentioned that the funds will be distributed on a first come, first served basis and only in person at the CUF office located on Ware Street across from Casey's in Cedartown.

The terms of the grant require that funds go to non-profit organizations or units of government. Agencies receiving the funds must have an accounting system, practice non-discrimination and have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter assistance.

Maddox said that she will be able to take applications after an upcoming meeting and a final decision from the federal government.

The Cedartown Standard will announce when the CUF will be taking applications, the announcement will also be made online at www.thepolkfishwrap.com