DeTar’s “Bowls of Hope” Cereal Drive Returns to Fight Hunger Across the Crossroads

8/24/2026

DeTar Healthcare System employees are once again joining the fight against hunger across the Crossroads through the “Bowls of Hope” Cereal Drive.

Last year, DeTar employees donated $1,730.04, collected 206 pounds of cereal and contributed 87 volunteer hours in support of the Food Bank of the Golden Crescent (FBGC).

This September, during Hunger Action Month, DeTar is bringing back its Bowls of Hope team for the 2026 Hunger Hero Challenge and encouraging employees and community members to help make an even greater impact.

“Last year, our employees really got behind this effort,” said Emily Weatherly, director of marketing at DeTar Healthcare System. “They donated, volunteered and found creative ways to support the Food Bank. We’re looking forward to building on that momentum this year and seeing what we can accomplish together.”

Leading the Charge
Returning as DeTar’s Bowls of Hope team captains are Jolene Balboa, R.N., director of cardiology, and Stephanie Schuckenbrock, director of orthopedics and bariatrics. The two will help lead DeTar employees in collecting donations, volunteering and raising awareness about food insecurity in the Crossroads.

“Jolene and Stephanie have been great leaders for this effort,” said Brett Maxfield, CEO of DeTar Healthcare System. “They understand that improving the health of our community involves more than the care we provide in our hospitals and clinics. Access to nutritious food is an important part of overall health.”

Balboa said volunteering at FBGC last year gave her a better understanding of the need in the community.

“Volunteering at the Food Bank gave me a different perspective on how much work goes into getting food to the people who need it,” Balboa said. “There is a real need in our community, and it was encouraging to see so many people working together to help. I’m glad we can continue supporting the Food Bank this year.”

Schuckenbrock said the campaign gives employees an opportunity to make a difference while working together as a team.

“Last year, our team had a lot of fun with the challenge, but we also saw how something as simple as donating a box of cereal can help,” Schuckenbrock said. “We’re looking forward to doing it again and seeing how much we can collect for the Food Bank.”

Ways to Become a Hunger Hero
Community members and DeTar employees can support the Hunger Hero Challenge in several ways:

• Donate cereal: Healthy cereal can be dropped off in the green collection barrels located at DeTar facilities. Donations also can be made online at www.tfbgc.org/bowlsofhope.
• Take the $20 Challenge: Every $2 donated provides one box of cereal, meaning a $20 donation provides 10 boxes. Donations can be made online at www.tfbgc.org/bowlsofhope.
• Shop for a cause: The DeTar Volunteers’ Book & Bag Sale will be held Thursday, Sept. 10, and Friday, Sept. 11, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. near the Café at the main entrance of DeTar Hospital Navarro. One hundred percent of proceeds will benefit FBGC’s Hunger Hero Challenge and DeTar’s Bowls of Hope team.
• Volunteer: DeTar team members will gather at the Food Bank of the Golden Crescent on Saturday, Sept. 19, to volunteer and support its hunger-relief efforts.
• Online donations can be made throughout September at www.tfbgc.org/bowlsofhope.

Green donation barrels will be available at:

• DeTar Hospital Navarro — Main Entrance and Java Bean
• DeTar Hospital North
• DeTar on Demand Walk-In Clinic
• DeTar Health & Fitness Center
• DeTar Medical Group Primary Care Clinic East at Texas A&M University–Victoria

One Community. One Mission. One Bowl at a Time.
FBGC supports more than 100 agencies across 11 counties, helping provide food to families throughout the Crossroads. Cereal is one of the food bank’s most requested items because it is affordable, nutritious and easy to prepare.

The Bowls of Hope campaign is part of DeTar’s ongoing efforts to address food insecurity in the community. Earlier this year, the community donated more than 4,400 jars of peanut butter through DeTar’s “Jars of Love” drive.

“Health doesn’t stop at the hospital door,” Maxfield said. “We’re proud of our employees and appreciate the continued support of our community. Together, we can help make sure more families have access to nutritious food.”

To join DeTar’s Bowls of Hope team or make a donation, visit www.tfbgc.org/bowlsofhope.

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