)While many families across America went wild buying toilet paper and disinfectants when the pandemic was declared a national emergency in mid-March, Crystal MacDonald had different mission in mind: stocking up on SpaghettiOs.“Food is a very sensory experience for her and I believe that most foods are too much, texture and taste-wise, for her," the Attleboro woman explained. "Once she lost her routine of school, and like so many people with autism, routine is vital to their mental health, she stopped eating other foods. I think the predictability of the texture and taste of the SpaghettiOs brings a sense of control and comfort to her in this time of chaos."When supply of the canned pasta ran out at the local supermarket, the mom of five went looking at stores across the area – “calling or visiting up to 20 per day” in search of the product, Today said. When supply of the canned pasta ran out at the local supermarket, MacDonald went looking at stores across the area — “calling or visiting up to 20 per day” in search of the product. (iStock)From there, the mother's mission was met with an outpouring of support. The family has received over 100 cans of the must-have pasta to date, with even more on the way. Campbell’s Soup Company caught wind of the MacDonald family’s story, Today reports, and will be sending them a year’s supply of Ashlyn’s favorite SpaghettiOs with meatballs!“I didn’t expect this,” MacDonald told the Chronicle of the shocking surprise. “It’s so nice to see support from people in our community. Everyone is so tired from the virus, it’s nice to see people still care.“It feels like a light in the darkness,” she added.
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