Sierra Vista Hosts Cereal Drive to Help Feed Local Kids

Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center, which houses the only dedicated pediatric unit in San Luis Obispo County, and Twin Cities Community Hospital are leading a community effort to provide area children struggling with hunger with a healthy breakfast during the summer through its Healthy Over Hungry Cereal Drive benefitting The Food Bank Coalition of San Luis Obispo County. The drive kicked off Friday, May 29 and runs through Friday, June 5.

          We recognize hunger exists in every city in America, and our staff is eager to join the fight against hunger and make a difference in our community,” said Carol Howland, chief nursing officer of Twin Cities.  “We recognize the importance of good nutrition on good health and hope that, through this drive, we can help those struggling with food insecurity.”

          There are 44,000 San Luis Obispo County residents who struggle with hunger and unfortunately 40% of those are children.  

          “We appreciate Sierra Vista and Twin Cities for hosting the Healthy Over Hungry Cereal Drive and are grateful for all that they do for our community,” said Wendy Lewis, chief operating officer of the Food Bank Coalition of San Luis Obispo County. “Summer is a particularly difficult time for our food bank because many children can no longer rely on their school for meals so their families often turn to us for help. Thanks to Sierra Vista and Twin Cities, and the Healthy Over Hungry Cereal Drive, many families will have a healthy breakfast."

          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.  Healthy cereal contains one serving of whole grain, no more than 200 calories per serving, six grams or less of sugar and at least three grams of fiber per serving. It should also be free of artificial colors and dyes.

          Donations of healthy cereal to the Healthy Over Hungry Cereal Drive will be collected from May 29 through June 5 at both Sierra Vista and Twin Cities Hospitals or to provide a monetary donation for perishable breakfast items.