Mesquite launches a summer food drive for children

Mesquite, Texas - The city of Mesquite has started a project called the "Spread the Love Campaign" aimed at helping feed the kids during the long summer break, as per Dallas Metro News.

The project, which will run until Labor Day on September 4th, 2023, encourages people to donate food.

People are asked to donate jars of peanut butter and jelly, foods that many kids enjoy. This year, the city is also asking for different types of butter for children who are allergic to nuts. These can include sunflower seed butter and pumpkin seed butter.

The city has set up four locations where people can drop off their donations. These places include the George A. Venner, Sr. Municipal Center, the Mesquite City Hall, and the Main and North Branch Libraries.

The city is working with a local nonprofit organization, Sharing Life Community Outreach, to distribute the food. This organization also takes financial donations on their website, which will go towards the "Spread the Love" campaign.

The campaign was started because many children rely on free or low-cost school meals during the school year. However, these programs are not available during the summer. By providing food that kids can easily make at home, the "Spread the Love" campaign is helping feed kids and teaching them how to prepare their own meals.

Since the campaign started in 2016, it has received hundreds of pounds of food and thousands of dollars from sponsors. For more information, visit www.cityofmesquite.com/spreadthelove.