CHICAGO HEIGHTS, Ill. (WLS) — In the Chicago metropolitan area, one in four families with children face food insecurity.

And when students don’t get enough nutrition, they struggle to concentrate in school.

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The Greater Chicago Food Depository helps provide free, nutritious meals to Cook County children and teens year-round.

One of their partners is a south suburban library that helps parents bridge the gap between school and dinner.

“We welcome everyone. We love everyone here. We just want everyone to be safe and eat. That’s important,” Carmen Moorer said.

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Moorer is the youth services manager who runs the after-school program at the Chicago Heights Public Library.

But before the day’s educational activity, Moorer and his team serve dozens of K-12 children a nutritious meal and snack from the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

“They have some good stuff,” Moorer said. “They have chicken Caesar salads. They have lots of fruit. They have lots of vegetables. They have different chicken wraps every week.”

And the kids love it too.

“It’s great when you come here and you’re really hungry and you don’t have anything to eat after school,” said 12-year-old Anna Peters.

Moorer said some families rely on the program every day.

“This could be their only meal.” » said Moorer. “Because they have nothing at home.”

And no child is denied seconds or even thirds.

“Of course you can, I never, ever say ‘No’ – ever,” Moorer said.

“I wouldn’t do anything different. I love every one of them here. I would do anything for them and anyone who comes here,” Moorer said.

THE Greater Chicago Food DepositorThere are 200 youth program partners who operate after-school programs and summer camps. No proof of need is required.