FRANKLIN, Ind. (AP): Families struggling to stretch their meal dollars are turning to a food relief program to ease their budgets.

The Smart Choice Food program began in Ohio in 2010 to provide greater access to food. It has since expanded to Indiana and Illinois.

Program founder Scott Cluckey says he started the ministry after he'd been laid off from his job. He says he has seven children and recognizes that food costs add up quickly.

The Cincinnati-based company orders bulk amounts of food. Organizers then work with host sites at the local level to set menus and arrange distributions.