Proper nutrition is considered essential, especially for children still growing into their bodies.

But some youth in Floyd County struggle just to get anything to eat aside from a school lunch, a problem Snack Attack has been combating for nearly four years.

The program was called Kids Cafe for the six years prior to changing to Snack Attack, but the goal has remained the same.

“At least when they leave here, we know they’ve had something to eat,” said Kathy Wilkerson, recreation director for the New Albany-Floyd County Parks and Recreation Department.

At Parkview, Riverside, Beechwood and Griffin recreation centers, New Albany Housing Authority and parks department employees hand out free meals to kids Monday through Thursday, almost all year. The only prolonged break for Snack Attack comes during June and July, when a summer feeding program takes its place also administered through the parks department.

After school, kids walk or have parents drop them off at the various centers where they are served healthy snacks including muffins, fruit, juice and milk during Snack Attack.

The program runs from 3 to 6 p.m., with feeding times differing at each location. When not eating, kids play games, work puzzles or listen to a guest speaker.

Snack Attack combines effort from several local organizations. The Housing Authority provides equipment and staff, the parks department helps oversee programs and also helps with staff and the Salvation Army shares supplies from time to time.

But the leaders of Snack Attack agree the effort would not be possible without financial backing from General Mills and its Community Action Council, which pays for the food.

“General Mills has focused on areas of giving to youth, and youth fitness is one of those areas they really wanted to be involved with,” said Michelle Portwood, one of eight members of the New Albany General Mills Community Action Council.

And it’s no small expense. Monthly food costs during the fall season run about $500. There were 1,200 meals served through Snack Attack from Oct. 5 to Oct. 29.

“It’s a huge collaboration,” Portwood said.

The Interfaith Community Council handles the books for Snack Attack, which keeps another expense away from the program.

With the parks department facing budget cuts due to a shortfall in property tax receipts in 2009, the Housing Authority assisted by providing more staff for Snack Attack to ensure the service continued to run smoothly.

Also, the New Albany Redevelopment Commission agreed to help with funding for staff at Griffin Center — which is the only Snack Attack location not under the jurisdiction of the Housing Authority.

Housing Authority Executive Director Bob Lane said 47 percent of residents in New Albany public housing are under the age of 17, which adds to the importance of Snack Attack.

“The food plays an important part. Most of us in school could go home, get a snack and do an activity,” Lane said. “This is so kids in public housing can have activities that will enhance their lives.”

Children listened to an informative talk on preventing the spread of the H1N1 flu Tuesday at Parkview said Joe Witten, youth coordinator for the Housing Authority.

Different speakers and activities are planned for Snack Attack to make sure kids are feeding their appetites and minds, he said.

Wilkerson sees the impoverishment first hand on almost a daily basis. The food is only for children, as she’s had to tell parents they can’t eat at Snack Attack though she knows they’re hungry like their kids.

The end of the month is the hardest time for many families that are struggling financially. Wilkerson said the amount of kids coming to Snack Attack spikes after the 15th of the month when government aid checks have been spent by their parents.

“The need is there,” she said. “This has become a major part of [the parks department].”

Roger Jeffers, superintendent of the parks department, said the number of kids that stop by for an after school treat shows how important Snack Attack is.

The teamwork between different organizations is the only way it’s possible, he said.

“The collaboration is just amazing,” Jeffers said. “It’s good for this community.”

Workers don’t turn away teenagers from eating, but they keep them separated from the younger children to prevent injuries, Wilkerson said.

“It’s a safe place to come,” she said.

Snack Attack is always in need of paper goods and plastic forks and spoons. If you are interested in donating to the program, call the parks department at 812-948-5360.



SNACK ATTACK LOCATIONS

• Parkview, 300 Erni Avenue

• Riverside, 55 Riverside Terrace

• Beechwood, 210 Kelly Drive

• Griffin, 1140 Griffin St.

• Hours of operation: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday.