Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center, which houses the only dedicated pediatric unit in San Luis Obispo County, and Twin Cities Community Hospital are leading a community effort to provide area children struggling with hunger with a healthy breakfast during the summer through its Healthy Over Hungry Cereal Drive benefitting The Food Bank Coalition of San Luis Obispo County. The drive kicks off Friday, June 1, and runs through Friday, June 8.
“We recognize the impact hunger has on health and nutrition, and our staff is eager to make a difference,” said Shannon Downing, Director of Marketing. “We recognize the importance of beginning each day with a nutritious breakfast and, through this drive, we hope to help the many in our community struggling with food insecurity.”
According to the San Luis Obispo Food Bank, there are 44,000 San Luis Obispo County residents who struggle with hunger and unfortunately 40-percent of those are children.
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.
Donations of healthy cereal to the Healthy Over Hungry Cereal Drive will be collected from June 1 through June 8 at both Sierra Vista and Twin Cities hospitals.
All financial donations made during the campaign will be matched by Tenet Healthcare, up to $100,000.
About Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center
As the largest hospital in San Luis Obispo County, Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center strives to produce optimal outcomes and exceptional patient experiences to the community it serves. With 164 beds, Sierra Vista puts advanced technology into the hands of experienced medical specialists to deliver quality healthcare. High-level services include neurosurgery, orthopedics, obstetrics, perinatology (high-risk pregnancy), neonatology (high-risk newborn care), pediatrics, cancer care and trauma. Sierra Vista houses the largest Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit between Santa Barbara and Salinas, the only dedicated pediatric unit in San Luis Obispo County and serves as the county’s designated trauma center. Sierra Vista is fully accredited by The Joint Commission and has been serving the community since 1959.
About Twin Cities Community Hospital
Twin Cities Community Hospital, a 122-bed acute care hospital, has been caring for the communities of Northern San Luis Obispo County since 1977. With a medical staff of more than 200 physicians and 400 caregivers and support staff, the hospital specializes in emergency care, obstetrics, orthopedics and a broad array of medical, surgical and outpatient services. Twin Cities Community Hospital earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® with distinction for its knee replacement program. In addition, the hospital is recognized as a Blue Distinction Center+ for Knee and Hip Replacement Surgery. Baby-Friendly USA designated Twin Cities Community Hospital as an internationally recognized Baby-Friendly birth facility. The hospital also reports one of the lowest Cesarean section rates in the State of California.