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By NATHAN HOWELL | Special to the Reporter 

HELENA – During the COVID-19 pandemic children have been the most susceptible to food insecurity, but “Snack a Child in Helena” is seeking to ease those worries by delivering snacks to children and asking others to pay it forward and do the same.

The project was started by Helena local Joan Adams who came across a similar project. After getting snacks for her own family, she decided to try and apply it to the Helena community.

“When we were quarantined everything changed so much for the kids,” Adams explained. “I started my own page, because I really wanted to put a smile on kids’ faces. I just wanted to do this for all the kids in Helena and beyond to try to bring some happiness during all this craziness we are going through.”

The way the program works is that people can reach out to Adam’s page directly and let her know that their children are in need of snacks. She will then make a post asking for others to reach out and purchase snacks. Then the two groups will connect and find out preferences and food allergies so that they can get something their kids will really enjoy.

“When your kids get a box, we are asking you to pay it forward and buy a box for another child,” Adams explained. “Anyone who wants to participate can do it. You don’t have to have kids. You will just go on Amazon and pick out a big box of assorted snacks and beverages, and get the address directly from the parents.”

Through starting this program in Helena, Adams said that she has had a chance to learn more about the community and the needs of the people there.

“I have gotten messages from people who can’t afford snacks for their kids, or to pay it forward if they get some from us,” she said. “I always tell them that we will take care of it for them. Children are everything and we need to remember them during this hard time.”

To reach out and have your children “snacked” or to get connected with a family to provide snacks for them, you can reach Adams at Facebook.com/Snack-a-Child-in-Helena-Alabama-109629170780442/.