Desert Care Network Hospitals to Host Healthy Over Hungry® Cereal Drive from June 6-13

Palm Springs – Desert Care Network Hospitals are 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 FIND Food Bank. The drive kicks off Monday, June 6 and runs through Monday, June 13.

“At Desert Care Network we understand the health issues children face from hunger and poor nutrition,” said Michele Finney, chief executive officer of Desert Care Network and Desert Regional Medical Center. “The past two years have been particularly devastating for families struggling with hunger, as the pandemic has increased food insecurity for many families. Many households have had to rely on food banks and other food programs to have access to the healthy meals they need to thrive. 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 and thank you in advance for your compassion, generosity, and support.”

“Summer can be a particularly difficult time in the desert region where over 84% of public-school children qualify for free and reduced-price meals, a national indicator of food insecurity,” said Debbie Espinosa President & CEO of FIND Food Bank. “We appreciate that all three Desert Care Network Hospitals are hosting the Healthy Over Hungry® Cereal Drive and are grateful for this commitment to building a healthy community. Their support helps stock FIND’s 44 free community Mobile Markets, operating on average six days a week. Thanks to Desert Care Network and the Healthy Over Hungry Cereal Drive, many families will have a healthy, whole-grain cereal breakfast -- and monetary donations from the campaign will go to support our Kids Summer Feeding program.”

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.