PHOENIX — Abrazo Health Valley hospitals donated more than 3,300 pounds of cereal to Valley food banks in June as part of its Healthy Over Hungry Cereal Drive to feed hungry children as they head into summer months without the benefit of a healthy breakfast or lunch often provided by their school.

During the summer months, community food banks help bridge the gap for those students who rely on school meals as a vital source of food.

Each year, Abrazo Health helps fight hunger through its annual Healthy Over Hungry Cereal Drive, which collects cereal to stock various Valley food banks during the summer months when families may not have access to school meals.

“Our team continues to show a deep commitment to the communities we serve. Through strong partnerships with local food banks, we are helping ensure families have consistent access to nutritious food during the summer months when the need is greatest,” said Larry D’Amico, Abrazo Health AZ Group Chief Strategy Officer.

The June cereal drive is a friendly competition among Abrazo Health campuses to see which can collect the most servings of cereal — all for a great cause. This year’s winner was Abrazo Central Campus which collected more than 1,100 pounds of cereal, followed by Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital which collected 880 pounds.

All cereal and monetary donations benefited St. Mary’s Food Bank, Paradise Valley Community Food Bank and Agua Fria Food & Clothing Bank.

"Many thanks to the generous partners from Abrazo Health for providing thousands of pounds of cereal at the perfect time of year," said St. Mary’s Food Bank Director of Public Relations Jerry Brown.

"This cereal will be put to good use making sure kids and other families are fed. Abrazo has done this cereal drive for years, and we thank each team member who made this event so successful."