MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Saint Francis Healthcare is leading a community effort to provide area children and adults struggling with hunger with a healthy breakfast during the summer months through its Healthy Over Hungry® Cereal Drive benefitting Mid-South Food Back. The drive kicks off Monday, June 7 and runs through Monday, June 14.
“At Saint Francis Healthcare, we understand the health issues children face from hunger and poor nutrition,” said Sally Deitch, Market Chief Executive Officer of Saint Francis Healthcare. “This past year has been particularly devastating for families struggling with hunger, as the COVID-19 pandemic compounded extreme food shortages in many communities. We recognize the importance of beginning each day with a nutritious breakfast and, through this drive, hope to help many in our community struggling with food insecurity. We invite you to help kids be Healthy Over Hungry® this summer.”
Mid-South Food Bank was founded in 1981. The agency provides food to local agencies and food distribution sites across 31 counties to combat local food insecurity.
In the Mid-South, several free or reduced-fee breakfasts and lunches are served daily during the school year. Whole-grain cereal, when part of a healthy, balanced breakfast including dairy, fruit and lean protein, is a popular food item that experts say can easily address the hunger gap during the summer months when children are not in school.
Donations of healthy cereal to the Healthy Over Hungry® Cereal Drive will be collected from June 7 through June 14 at Saint Francis Hospital-Bartlett and Saint Francis Hospital-Memphis. People interested in contributing to this year’s cereal drive may also provide a financial donation for perishable breakfast items online to purchase perishable items, such as milk, fruit and lean protein, needed to complete a healthy breakfast. This is the monetary donation link, https://midsouthfoodbank.harnessapp.com/wv2/campaign/4389, and this is the online food donation link, https://yougivegoods.com/stfrancis2021.