Eight year old Erick Rodriguez is a regular at Collier County's summer food program. He comes to the Golden Gate Community Center 3 to 4 times a week. Erick's among a growing number of children around Southwest Florida at risk of going hungry.
Everyday, Collier County Parks and Rec workers and school district employees pack up thousands of meals and deliver them to 44 sites around the county.
Between breakfast and lunch...Collier County is serving 35,000 meals a week. Lee County, more than 65,000 meals, and in Charlotte County 5800 meals each week.
Collier County school district leaders aren't surprised by the turnout. Michele LaBute says, " I would anticipate it would continue to grow as more people learn about it, passed by word of mouth...and as more people are in need.
For Erick's father Ezekiel Rodriguez, it's something they can count on in an uncertain economy. "I tell everybody to come, because it's a very good program for the kids. Thank you very much."