Staff Reports | Community Updates
Abrazo Health hospitals donated more than 3,300 pounds of cereal to Valley food banks in June through the health system’s annual Healthy Over Hungry Cereal Drive, which helps provide food to children during the summer months when school meal programs are unavailable.
Community food banks often help meet increased demand during the summer, when many students lose access to school-provided breakfasts and lunches.
The annual Healthy Over Hungry Cereal Drive collects cereal and financial donations for Valley food banks that serve families during the summer months, according to a press release.
“Our team continues to show a deep commitment to the communities we serve. Through strong partnerships with local food banks, we are helping ensure families have consistent access to nutritious food during the summer months when the need is greatest,” Larry D’Amico, Abrazo Health Arizona group chief strategy officer, said.
The cereal drive includes a friendly competition among Abrazo Health campuses to determine which location collects the most cereal for donation. This year’s top contributor was Abrazo Central Campus, which collected more than 1,100 pounds of cereal, followed by Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital with 880 pounds.
The donations benefited St. Mary’s Food Bank, Paradise Valley Community Food Bank and Agua Fria Food & Clothing Bank.
“Many thanks to the generous partners from Abrazo Health for providing thousands of pounds of cereal at the perfect time of year,” Jerry Brown, director of public relations for St. Mary’s Food Bank, said. “This cereal will be put to good use making sure kids and other families are fed. Abrazo has done this cereal drive for years, and we thank each team member who made this event so successful.”
