DeTar’s “Bowls of Hope” Cereal Drive Delivers Breakfast and Hope to Families Across the Crossroads

9/30/2025

In a powerful show of community spirit during Hunger Action Month, DeTar Healthcare System teamed up with the Food Bank of the Golden Crescent to fight food insecurity across the Crossroads region. Through its “Bowls of Hope” Cereal Drive, DeTar employees and local residents united to collect cereal, raise funds and volunteer their time—all to ensure local families have access to one of the most essential meals of the day: a nutritious breakfast.

"At DeTar Health and Fitness Center, we collected over 80 pounds of cereal,” Stephanie Schuckenbrock, director of orthopedics and bariatrics at DeTar Healthcare System, said. “Our dedicated gym-goers made it into a friendly competition. Some exercise classes were even making funny cereal skits to drive donations.”

Thanks to the community’s generosity and the dedication of DeTar employees, the cereal drive campaign made a significant impact in the fight against hunger for local families throughout 11 counties.

Together, the community and DeTar team contributed:

• $1730.04 in cash donations (online and in person), providing thousands of servings of cereal to local families
• 206 pounds of cereal collected through physical donations at DeTar locations
• 87 volunteer hours served during DeTar’s community workday at the Food Bank on September 20

“Thanks to the incredible support from our staff, patients and the wider Crossroads community, this campaign helped ensure that families—many of whom are facing incredibly tough times—can begin their day with something as simple and vital as a bowl of cereal,” said Emily Weatherly, director of marketing at DeTar Healthcare System. “What we’ve seen throughout this effort is that our community truly cares. And that compassion is what keeps hope alive.”

Cereal remains one of the most requested food items at local food banks due to its affordability, nutritional value and ease of preparation—especially for families with children. During the campaign, every $2 donated helped provide a full box of cereal, directly supporting FBGC’s widespread efforts.

“We’re so thankful that we can serve our community not only through healthcare inside our hospital walls, but also through outreach like this,” said Jolene Balboa, R.N., director of cardiovascular services at DeTar. “For us, health doesn’t stop at a hospital door. It starts with access to food, security and dignity—and that’s why this effort matters so much.”

The Food Bank of the Golden Crescent, based in Victoria, has been fighting hunger across South Texas since 1986. Through partnerships with schools, senior centers, churches and shelters, FBGC provides critical food assistance to more than 30,000 individuals each month across Calhoun, DeWitt, Goliad, Gonzales, Jackson, Lavaca, Refugio, Victoria and surrounding counties.

“Bowls of Hope” builds on the momentum of DeTar’s earlier initiative this year, the Jars of Love peanut butter drive, which collected more than 4,400 jars to fight food insecurity in the region.

DeTar Healthcare System extends heartfelt gratitude to every individual who donated, volunteered, or helped spread the word. While the cereal drive has ended, the fight against hunger continues—and DeTar remains deeply committed to supporting local families year-round.

To learn more about the Food Bank of the Golden Crescent or to support their ongoing efforts, visit www.tfbgc.org.

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