Cereal collected benefit Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona to feed kids this summer

Tucson – Right now, in our community over 88,000 children across Southern Arizona rely on school meals as a vital source of food. During the summer months, Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona helps bridge that gap through child nutrition programs and food assistance. And roughly 1 in 6 people faced food insecurity just this past year according to Feeding America. Today during a press conference, Carondelet Health Network announced it is working to fight hunger through its annual Healthy Over Hungry Cereal Drive, which will work to stock the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona during the summer months when families may not have access to school meals.

The Carondelet Health Network 2026 Healthy Over Hungry Cereal Drive begins June 8 and runs through June 18, 2026. The cereal drive is a friendly competition among Carondelet Health Network campuses to see who can collect the most servings of cereal — all for a great cause. Carondelet Health Network is challenging leaders, businesses, schools and the community to join in their effort and help stock the food bank for summertime.

“As healthcare providers, we see firsthand the profound impact food insecurity can have on a child’s health, development and overall well-being,” said Monica Vargas, Market CEO, Carondelet Health Network. “Every day our team of employees is here to help make our community a better and healthier place and right now we see a way we can help our partners at Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona to help ensure their pantry is stocked and ready to meet the need of our area children this summer.”

All of the cereal and monetary donations collected will benefit the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona to help fill the gap that exists during the summer for children who rely on the school system for meals.

“Summer is an especially vulnerable time for children facing hunger, and nutritious breakfasts like cereal can make a real difference,” said Natalie Jayroe, Ceo and President of Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. “We’re deeply grateful to Carondelet Health Network for stepping up once again through their Healthy Over Hungry Cereal Drive. This partnership helps us ensure our youngest neighbors don’t go without, because when we nourish children, we nourish our future.”

This year, Carondelet Health Network is challenging its staff and the community to collect funds and servings of cereal to fight hunger. Cereal donations may be delivered to Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital or St. Mary’s Hospital campuses, or monetary donations can be made online at https://donate.communityfoodbank.org/team/830593. For more information, please visit www.carondelet.org.