American Idol is lending a helping hand to kids in the Valley.

Most people only know American Idol as a top rated talent competition. However, the show has also made a tremendous effort to raise money and awareness for children and families living in poverty in the United States and abroad.

Idol Gives Back has raised millions of dollars for charities and programs all over the world. Recently, it even helped the Valley by giving a grant to the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank to use towards Operation Angel Food.

The program is available to all four elementary schools in Staunton and Berkley Glenn Elementary in Waynesboro. While it initially only provided snacks, with the new grant from Idol, Operation Angel Food is now able to provide 20 healthy meals and snacks per child.

Operation Angel Food's Kathy Cook says she is thrilled to help out.

She says, "To be apart of a school community family project like this, the all-cooperative, it couldn't be better."

Idol Gives Back gave a $100,000 grant specifically for Operation Angel Food.