Healthy Over Hungry Cereal Drive Returns to Help Families Facing Summer Food Insecurity

The Healthy Over Hungry Cereal Drive kicked off Tuesday across the Coachella Valley, providing community members with an opportunity to help families struggling with food insecurity during the summer months.

Hosted by Desert Care Network hospitals, the annual campaign collects cereal donations for FIND Food Bank and The Way Station in Joshua Tree. Donation sites include Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, JFK Memorial Hospital in Indio and Hi-Desert Medical Center in Joshua Tree.

Organizers say the drive addresses a critical need that emerges when schools close for summer and many children lose access to regular school meals.

The initiative began more than a decade ago within Tenet Healthcare after nurses at a children's hospital in Michigan noticed that some children arriving for appointments during the summer were hungry.

"What started as a local effort became a nationwide initiative focused on helping children and families during the months when school is out," organizers said.

Today, hospitals across the country participate in the campaign, collecting cereal and other support for local food banks and feeding programs.

Community members can help by donating cereal at participating hospital locations through June 18. Financial contributions can also be made through FIND Food Bank.

Organizers hope the annual drive will continue raising awareness about food insecurity while helping ensure children have access to nutritious meals throughout the summer break.