Help Refuel Front Liners With Snacks for Healthcare Workers

It's the little things that can go a long way. Snacks for Healthcare Workers of Oneida County is helping refuel those working tirelessly on the front lines during the coronavirus pandemic.

Abbie Taylor started the campaign after she asked her friend, who is a nurse, how she could help. "She said having grab and go snack available during shifts would be amazing because it's hard to find time to eat during long shifts when they are busy caring for patients."

The increase in COVID hospitalization has healthcare workers running a marathon with no finish line in sight. Taylor says many people are including notes of encouragement with their snacks to help front line workers make it through the day, mentally and physically. "I think this is so meaningful to the people writing the notes and the ones receiving them. I like to imagine a frontline workers having a really rough time and that a kind note of support, encouragement and appreciation helped them get through that moment."

Taylor hopes others will start a similar campaign in other counties. "I have received so many messages from frontline workers in other counties who really need support and encouragement right now, and would really appreciate snacks to get them through their long day," she said. "If you can't start a donation program, just reach out to one frontline worker and ask them 'how can I support you?'"

You can help by donating snack bars, cereal bars, protein bars, gluten-free/dairy-free bars, crackers, pretzels, chips, nuts, dried fruits, bottled water, bottled juice, and sports drinks. You can also include a note with your snacks at several locations set up around central New York.