With a population of more than 1.2 million, about 19 percent of Dallas residents live in poverty*. Of those, 29.3 percent are children.

Food aid is a short-term solution to a long-term problem, but "sometimes, people just need a little help so they can make it through the day," said Johnny Flowers, assistant director of Buckner crisis relief programs in Dallas.

This photo essay follows Flowers from food pick-up to aid distribution, and all the steps in between. Click on the first photo below to view the slideshow.

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*Source: US Census Bureau