Erika is a mother of 4 who relies on Allen Community Outreach’s Kids Summer Food Program. Erika lost her job three years ago, and has struggled to feed her children.“ACO’s Kids Summer Food Program helped my family tremendously last summer. If I did not have ACO’s help with our groceries during the summer when the kids are home, I would have to stretch my food to feed them all,” said Erika.

Her children range in age from 4 years old to 12.  Her oldest daughter has cerebral palsy. Her 6 year old was diagnosed with autism. Faced with 4 hungry children can be a daily struggle when there is not enough food in the house. But with two children with special needs, Erika’s challenges are even greater.

Providing bags of kid-friendly and healthy groceries for children all summer long helps relieve some of Erika’s stress. Her cereal-loving 6 year old is happy with boxes to choose from each morning for breakfast. Her youngest two children are thriving thanks to the fresh fruits they receive in their bags. Lunches are just as easy with the items they receive that are easy to prepare and favorites of all kids.

ACO’s Kids Summer Food Program provides more than 1,000 free bags of healthy, easy-to-prepare breakfast and lunch foods during the summer months for Collin County children whose household resources are limited. These children are part of the Free and Reduced-Price Meal Program at public schools.

While ACO can’t reach all hungry children YET, hundreds of children in our service area, like Erika and her family are smiling and happy with full tummies all summer long. The program is made possible by local donations and sponsors like Dallas Morning News Charities.

May we count on you to help others like Erika? Please visit http://bit.ly/DMNCharities18 to donate today.