HARLINGEN /BROWNSVILLE –Valley Baptist Health System joins the mission to fight hunger for children and adults of the Rio Grande Valley through its Healthy Over Hungry® Cereal Drive benefitting the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley. The drive kicks off Friday, June 1 and runs through Friday, June 8, 2018.
“Valley Baptist Health System is committed to helping Valley families in need,” said Manny Vela, CEO for Valley Baptist Health System and Valley Baptist-Harlingen. “We understand the health issues children face from hunger and poor nutrition and recognize the importance of beginning each day with a nutritious breakfast.”
Nearly 1 in 2 children in RGV live at or below the federal poverty level. It is very common for families to pay all their bills only to find very little left for nutritious foods. Summer because an especially difficult time when children are out of school and unable to seek assisted breakfasts and lunches.
“We have an obligation to the children of our community to ensure they have the proper nutrition they need to grow and stay healthy,” said Vela. “Through our Healthy Over Hungry® Cereal Drive, many families will have a healthy, whole grain cereal breakfast every summer morning.”
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.
“With the support of our community and the team of VBHS, fewer kids will go hungry this summer,” said Vela.
ABOUT VALLEY BAPTIST
HEALTH SYSTEM
Valley Baptist Health System is an 866-bed faith-based regional health system located in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas.
It is focused on helping people achieve health for life through compassionate service inspired by faith. Valley Baptist extends many of its services beyond its facilities and into local communities, offering free screenings for the community, support groups and numerous educational opportunities.
For more information, visit www.ValleyBaptist.net.
To support Valley Baptist Health System’s Healthy Over Hungry® Cereal Drive, healthy cereals may be dropped off in the main lobbies at both Valley Baptist-Harlingen and Valley Baptist-Brownsville June 1 through June 8, or monetary donations can be made online at https://foodbankriogrande.ejoinme.org/cereal2018.
For more information, contact: Valley Baptist Medical Center – Harlingen
2101 Pease Street
Contact: Stephen Hill, Nursing Administration (956) 389-1423
Valley Baptist Medical Center – Brownsville
1040 W. Jefferson
Contact: Manny Chacon, Human Resource Administration (956) 698-5400
