Los Angeles single mom raising son with autism receives free groceries

CULVER CITY, Calif. (KABC) -- A Los Angeles-area single mother raising a son with autism received some well-deserved help and recognition from an actress who knows what she's going through.

It was a surprise Erica Soto did not see coming - $2,500 in free groceries.

Actress Holly Robinson Peete joined forces with the food company Armour and grocery giants Albertsons, Vons and Pavilions in a new campaign to celebrate moms like Soto across the country.

"I think you do so much, and often times it's important to say what an amazing mom you are," Peete said.

Soto's son Adam has autism and is on the extreme end of the spectrum.

"It's a lot of help because I mostly struggle with that. I'm happy with what they're doing for moms," Soto said.

Soto had to quit her job to take care of Adam, and she is now having a hard time making ends meet.

"We surprised her with $2,500 in free groceries. So Armour, we are going across the country this year surprising and celebrating great moms. These are our unsung heroes. These are women who make a lot of sacrifices every day," said Sharnell Weathersby, Armour brand manager.

Peete said that she can really relate to Soto's struggle.

"I have a son with autism. He is 18 now. Being a mom is a hard job, but when you have a special needs child or a child with autism, it takes a little bit extra, and you have to summon super mom powers that you didn't realize you had, and so I feel like every little bit of help that you can get from someone helps," Peete said.

Despite everything, Soto says Adam is a great kid who is very happy and even silly at times.

Armour will continue the campaign by celebrating another mom in Cincinnati at the end of this month.