Dare to Care has awarded grants to build up the capacity of 11 nonprofits who partner with it to provide groceries to struggling families and individuals.The grants range from $5,000 to $77,200. They will support improvements to increase food access for those impacted by the pandemic.The total investment of $263,971, was made possible by a grant to Dare to Care from Feeding America’s COVID-19 Response Fund.“Our partner agencies have excelled in their service to our community this year,” stated Brian Riendeau, Dare to Care Executive Director. “With their help and dedication, Dare to Care has been able to respond to the challenges that the pandemic presented. With this investment, we ensure that our partner network remains strong for the months ahead. This recovery will be a marathon, not a sprint, and we need strong partners to ensure our neighbors are fed, no matter what comes our way.”Catholic Charities Sister Visitor Center received a $45,000 grant to help redesign its food pantry."I don't think we would be able to do this without the money," said Director of Programs, Darko Mihaylivich.He said the money will help them create a supermarket style food pantry allowing clients to choose the food they take home.The grant money is being used to purchase paint, shelves, glass door freezers and shopping carts. It will also help fund a food pantry manager position.Mihaylivich expects repainting to be complete next week. He hopes the renovation will be done and open by the end of the year."When someone needs to get food assistance for their family, it's a difficult step to make," said Stan Siegwald, with Dare to Care. "What they're doing at Sister Visitor, they are providing groceries to families in a way that is so respectful. It provides a shopping environment, it allows families to choose the products they will use and products that they need. So it helps those families, it reduces waste on our end."Dare to Care’s grants went to the following nonprofits.Neighborhood House— Food pantry expansion project— $77,200First Baptist Church of Fairdale— Farm-fresh food, additional staff, and equipment— $64,000Sister Visitor— Improved client experience at the food pantry — $45,000Center for Lay Ministries— Food, additional staff, and enclose outside areas— $25,000Walnut Street Baptist Church— Box truck and walk-in freezer— $10,000The Lord’s Kitchen— Walk-in freezer — $10,000Serenity Center— Operations support — $10,000Redeemer Food Pantry— Shopping carts, personal hygiene items, and shelving— $8,150Fellowship Baptist Church— Food pantry storage— $5,285First Baptist of Taylorsville— Food and freezer— $5,000Lincoln Hills UMC Food Pantry— Freezer and cooler— $4,336Since March, Dare to Care rapidly ramped up distribution, providing more food than ever in its 50-year history.In the past year, Dare to Care distributed over 23 million meals in eight Kentucky and five Indiana counties.To make learn more or make a donation, click here.