June 10, 2019 – Nacogdoches Medical Center (NMC) is leading a community campaign to provide a healthy breakfast for area children and adults struggling with hunger. The Healthy Over Hungry® Cereal Drive collects healthy cereal as well as monetory donations that will go towards the purchase of perishable breakfast items. The drive kicks off Friday, June 7 and runs through Friday, June 14. Monetary and cereal donations collected at NMC will help to fill the shelves of the HOPE Food Pantry, which serves as a critical resource for people living with food insecurity.
Established in 1994, HOPE provides supplemental food to Nacogdoches County residents in need, and is a 501 (c)(3) organization that is supported through donations from the community. Approximately 640 Nacogdoches families visit the pantry once a month to obtain food. As a 100% volunteer organization, HOPE serves senior citizens, children, persons with disabilities, veterans, persons living is situational poverty, and many others.
Hunger in our community affects young and old alike. Many children and seniors in our area don’t know where their next meal will come from. Seniors often have to choose between food and medical care due to being on a limited income. Children are especially vulnerable over the summer when they don’t have access to school meal programs. “At Nacogdoches Medical Center we understand the health issues children face from hunger and poor nutrition,” said Philip Koovakada, Chief Executive Officer of Nacogdoches Medical Center. “We recognize the importance of beginning each day with a nutritious breakfast and, through this drive, we hope to help the many in our community struggling with food insecurity. We invite the community to help kids be Healthy Over Hungry® this summer.”
To join the fight against hunger here in our community, simply:
- Drop off healthy cereal donations at Nacogdoches Medical Center in the Women’s Center Lobby between June 7th and June 14th or
- Make a donation online at www.NacMedicalCenter.com/healthyoverhungry
· Your donation will be used to purchase perishable items, such as milk, fruit and lean protein. All essential components to a healthy breakfast.
