Newton County residents were generous Nov. 5, spent over $78,000 on breakfast, lunch or dinner while making sure children in need get fed.

With all but two restaurants’ donations received, Dine Out Newton County brought in $7,800 so far according to the nonprofit agencies area director Tamara Richardson.

Seventeen Newton County restaurants, as well as the Church of the Good Shepherd, donated 10 percent of their gross sales for the day to Action Ministries. Richardson said the proceeds will go to pay for Super Packs.

Super Packs provide food for children identified by school counselors who may face hunger over the weekends or during school breaks. The packages contain easy to prepare and consume meals that include four protein-based entrees, such as pop-top cans of ravioli, two breakfasts; and two fruits, Teachers will identify the children in need and counselors will discreetly stock the children’s backpacks.

So far, two schools – Porterdale and Heard-Mixon Elementary schools – are participating in the Super Pack program. Recently, the 2015-16 Newton County Leadership class adopted Livingston Elementary School and will provide Super Packs for 30 children through the end of the school year. They recently packed 90 Super Packs, which will feed 30 children during the three week holiday break.

Richardson said Middle Ridge Elementary will begin participating in the program. in January Representatives from some other county schools are meeting with Action Ministries to learn more about the program.

Restaurants participating in Dine Out Newton County were Firehouse Subs, Johnny’s Pizza, Amici Italian Café, Blimpie Subs, Bradley’s BBQ, Burrito Loco Bar and Grill, Chick-fil-A at Newton Plaza, Henderson’s, Jersey Mike’s Subs in Covington and Loganville, Longhorn Steakhouse, Mystic Grill, Plain Nuts Catering & Deli, The Social House in Porterdale, Square Perk Café, Walden’s, Where There’s Smoke BBQ in Mansfield and Zaxby’s at the Covington Bypass and Turner Lake Road stores. The Church of the Good Shepherd donated 10 percent of its proceeds from a spaghetti dinner held that day.