The Denver Foundation handed out almost $300,000 to food providers in the metro area after raising emergency money from foundations, individuals and businesses.

The community foundation made 81 grants to food pantries, transitional housing programs and other groups serving the needy. The amounts ranged from $1,000 to $7,000 and totaled $287,750.

The effort began in December in response to the growing number of people asking food banks and other groups for help in the face of job layoffs and the increasing costs of food and health care.

The foundation's "critical needs fund" continues to accept donations. For an interactive map of groups receiving grants: denverfoundation.org/ page10003685.cfm