EL PASO, Texas — The Hospitals of Providence (THOP) in El Paso rallied community leaders, nurses, and doctors in a spirited effort to tackle food insecurity through their annual Healthy Over Hungry Cereal Drive. This initiative, which benefits the El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank (EPFHFB), culminated in a lively cereal-eating contest that drew enthusiastic participation from local figures, including KFOX14 anchor Liz Dueweke.

Annual Fundraiser and Contest

On Thursday, THOP hosted the Cereal Drive, aiming not only to raise awareness but also to gather essential resources for families in need. The event featured a competitive cereal-eating contest where El Paso’s healthcare professionals and community leaders competed for both a coveted cereal trophy and bragging rights. Despite not clinching the top spots, Liz Dueweke, a familiar face in local news, joined in the spirited event, highlighting the community’s commitment to tackling food insecurity.

Addressing Summer Challenges

Summer poses a particularly challenging time for families reliant on school meals, as highlighted by EPFHFB CEO Susan Goodell. She emphasized the critical impact of such initiatives during this season, stating, Many people think about others during the holiday season, but actually summer is the hardest time for our low-income families. With children lacking access to regular school meals, initiatives like the Cereal Drive become crucial in bridging this gap.

Impact and Goals

Nicholas Tejeda, CEO of THOP, expressed optimism about this year’s drive, noting that the community response exceeded expectations. The excitement was off the charts, he remarked, indicating a strong turnout and generous donations. EPFHFB set an ambitious target of collecting 20,000 pounds of cereal, underscoring the pressing need and the community’s proactive response.

Conclusion: Strengthening Community Resilience

The Healthy Over Hungry Cereal Drive organized by The Hospitals of Providence underscores El Paso’s collective effort in addressing food insecurity, particularly during challenging times like summer. By mobilizing local leaders and healthcare professionals, the initiative not only raises substantial donations but also fosters a sense of solidarity and support within the community. Such endeavors play a crucial role in ensuring that vulnerable families receive the assistance they need, highlighting the power of community-driven solutions to combat pressing social issues.

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