COBB COUNTY, GA — Cobb County is reallocating more than $200,000 in unused COVID relief funds to help local food banks meet rising demand, county officials announced.

The money comes from the county’s American Rescue Plan allocation. With deadlines approaching, some organizations had not yet spent their funding, prompting commissioners to redirect the remaining dollars to support families facing financial strain.

County spokesman Ross Cavitt says the decision comes after hearing directly from nonprofits that are struggling to keep up with need.

“Our non-profit partners are telling us they’re somewhat overwhelmed; they’re running out of resources, so we wanted this $206,000 allocation to help out in any way that we can,” Cavitt said.

The county will use the funds to purchase food boxes from Georgia Grown and distribute them to two of its main food bank partners: MUST Ministries and Sweetwater Mission.

Cavitt says both the organizations and residents have stressed they are under added financial pressure as the holidays approach. “Some of the money that came back now has been reallocated to some of our partners who can help in that effort,” he said.

Cavitt added that Cobb County wants to make sure the money is put to work where it’s needed most. “Whatever way we can help out using our partners who have been so good about helping us face these challenges, we’re more than happy to do so,” he said.

The county received more than $100 million in American Rescue Plan funding. Any unspent funds must be allocated soon or risk being lost, prompting this latest reallocation to support families in need.

WSB Radio’s Jonathan O’Brien contributed to this story.