Snack Attack: How Kids are Making After-School Treats for Their Peers!

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Snack Attack: How Kids are Making After-School Treats for Their Peers!

HARFORD COUNTY, Md — For growing kids, snacks are more than just treats; they’re essential for staying energized. Without them, many kids may go hungry until dinner.

Zachary Gwiazda, the Chair of We Cancerve, explains how this can impact children’s days: “They go the rest of the afternoon hungry until they’re able to get a dinner, if they’re able to.” That’s why initiatives like Snack Attack are so important.

Snack Attack is a program led by students. It aims to fight food insecurity by providing bags of snacks to schools and groups like the Boys and Girls Club. “It’s kids helping kids,” shares 13-year-old Nael Shakur. He is leading the program this year and recently delivered over 300 snack bags to Aberdeen Middle and Joppatowne High Schools. “We realized that a lot of the students there were experiencing food insecurity,” he points out.

This effort is just one of the many ways We Cancerve is making a difference. The nonprofit was founded back in 2012 by Grace Callwood after she was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Now, 16-year-old Zach Gwiazda continues her mission. “The goal is to provide happiness to children who are in hospitals, foster care, and families in need,” he explains.

So far, We Cancerve has helped over 33,000 children across five states and six countries. This work sheds light on a growing issue. According to recent research by the Food Research & Action Center, 1 in 7 children face food insecurity in the U.S. Recognizing that many kids lack the same privileges, Gwiazda says, “It’s eye-opening to see that there are so many kids in our community who don’t have the same luxuries as I do.” He highlights that after-school snacks, which many take for granted, aren’t accessible to all families.

Efforts like Snack Attack show that local communities can make a big impact. By stepping up, young leaders like Shakur and Gwiazda not only help their peers but also inspire others to care. Each bag of snacks represents hope and support, making a considerable difference in the lives of children who need it most.

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