HARRISBURG, Pa. - Non-profits in both Mercer and Lawrence Counties have received grant funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to combat hunger in their respective communities.

In Mercer County, the Community Food Warehouse of Mercer County received $49,047, and Good Shepherd Center Inc. received $17,12. In Lawrence County, New Life Baptist Church received $49,880.

This funding is part of more than $4.1 million from the DEP's Food Recovery Infrastructure Grant (FRIG) program, which aims to help reduce wasted food and fight hunger in Pennsylvania.

These grants are awarded to reimburse the cost of equipment like refrigerators, freezers, refrigerated and non-refrigerated vehicles, stoves and microwaves to store, transport or prepare the recovered safe, fresh and wholesome foods to ensure it can be redistributed to the public.

"Non-profit organizations such as food banks and soup kitchens play a vital role in providing sustenance to Commonwealth communities, so it's important that the food they provide is transported and stored properly," said DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley.