Federal funds for emergency food and shelter programs have decreased yet again, and that will mean less money for some Mercer County agencies.

The county will receive $55,642, provided through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, to be used to provide funding to food banks, utility-assistance and housing programs.

"That's not a lot of money for Mercer County," said Michael Wright, executive director of the Community Food Warehouse in Farrell. "One segment could use that all by itself. Those are some dilemmas we have to face with this money."

Congress has authorized $153 million for the program, which will support social service agencies in more than 2,500 cities and counties throughout the nation, according to Michael D. Brown, under secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response.

The county's portion is part of a $6.2 million pot for the state that is used to help people and families annually meet their non-disaster, temporary financial emergency needs.