WORCESTER – The City of Worcester announced on Tuesday a $2 million allocation of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to address food insecurity.
The city will make the allocation to the United Way of Central Massachusetts (UWCM). UWCM will distribute the funding over three funding cycles to local provider and food pantries.
“This funding is in direct response to one of the greatest needs facing our community right now – food insecurity,” said City Manager Eric D. Batista.
President Joe Biden signed ARPA into law in March 2021. The law awarded $146 million to the City of Worcester in ARPA Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds through federal and state sources.
A recent report, produced before the announcement of the $2 million to UWCM, shows the city has spent $29,755,816 of those funds and committed another $51,302,211. The remaining balance of $66,030,761 has yet to be committed.
