Saint Vincent Hospital Kicks Off Healthy Over Hunger Cereal Drive

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Friday, May 29, 2015

GoLocalWorcester News Team

From Saturday May 29 through June 5, Saint Vincent Hospital will be leading an effort to provide Worcester children struggling with hunger with a healthy breakfast over summer vacation. Through the hospital's Healthy Over Hungry Drive benefiting the Worcester County Food Bank, is seeking to help the 10.3 percent of the Worcester County population that is living at or below the poverty level.

“At Saint Vincent Hospital 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 Steve MacLauchlan, Chief Executive Officer of Saint Vincent Hospital. “We recognize the importance of good nutrition and good health and hope that, through this drive, we can help those struggling with food insecurity.”

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.

"Worcester County Food Bank and its network of Partner Agencies nourish healthy people and healthy communities," said Jean McMurray, executive director. "We know that many parents rely on the school breakfast program to keep their children well fed during the day, making the summer months difficult without that support. We're grateful to Saint Vincent Hospital and the Healthy Over Hungry Cereal Drive for providing breakfasts to children in-need in Worcester County this summer."

The drive kicks off Friday, May 29 in the Atrium at Saint Vincent from 11am-4pm and runs through Friday, June 5. Donations of healthy cereal to the Healthy Over Hungry Cereal Drive will be collected from May 29 through June 5 in the Atrium at Saint Vincent Hospital.