GEORGETOWN — Sussex County is making a sizable contribution to the battle against hunger in southern Delaware.

On Tuesday, officials announced a $750,000 award to the Food Bank of Delaware, which will go toward food purchases for Sussex families in need.

The funding comes by way of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, via which the county received $45.5 million in federal assistance for pandemic recovery.

The county has since earmarked those monies for a variety of initiatives, including public safety, affordable housing, wastewater infrastructure and low-income services.

With the food bank donation, all the rescue funds have been awarded, prior to the deadline at the end of 2024.

County leaders said the $750,000 contribution was possible, in part, because other previously intended recipients no longer need the resources.

Food insecurity, though, is an ever-present need, said County Council President Michael H. Vincent.

“Sussex County has a long track record of helping those in need, whether that’s through offering tax assistance programs or with our annual Caroling on The Circle food drive program each holiday season,” he noted.

“We are proud to continue those efforts with this award, which will make tremendous strides in supporting the Food Bank of Delaware’s mission to put food on the table and help strengthen our communities.”

The entire grant will be used to purchase food to stock the food bank’s shelves at its Milford facility and to distribute to recipients who live in Sussex County.