Summer Cereal Drive celebrates with Kickoff Party in the THV11 Weather Garden
Participants in the 2024 THV11 Summer Cereal Drive, running May 1 through July 19, came together yesterday in the THV11 Weather Garden for the annual event’s televised Kickoff Party, hosted by Chief Meteorologist Tom Brannon.
Sponsored by THV11 and the Arkansas Foodbank, the Summer Cereal Drive seeks to alleviate food insecurity throughout the summer months in Arkansas, especially for kids who are out of school during that time and may have little more than empty cupboards at home.
“The Summer Cereal Drive provides non-perishable breakfast items for children and families in Central Arkansas who would otherwise go without the most important meal of the day,” according to the Arkansas Foodbank.
“Since 2000, teams across central and south Arkansas have competed to provide the most cereal to our neighbors facing hardships — particularly children — during summer months,” as stated on the organization’s website. “While many of us look forward to summer, 1 in 5 children in our state face increased levels of food insecurity as schools close classrooms and kitchens during summer break.”
Food insecurity is when a person is not sure where their next meal is coming from. About 28 percent of Arkansas children “have limited access to adequate food”, and around 19 percent of all Arkansans are facing extended periods of hunger.
People may experience food insecurity due to unexpected changes in their employment, housing or other financial circumstances, or they may have long-term struggles affording food for their families. Many Arkansas children face increased food insecurity when school lets out, and they lose access to those regular meals.
Sadly, Arkansas has taken over as 1st in the nation for food insecurity. Over 515,000 children and adults across the state do not know where that next meal is going to come from. The Arkansas Foodbank hopes to change that, as one of the state’s largest hunger relief initiatives.
Participants from in and around Malvern have donated over 50,000 boxes of cereal over the last five years to the Summer Cereal Drive, with a whopping 14,534 boxes turned in at the end of last year’s event. Angela Sexton, who leads the local collection effort, hopes she and other participants can bring in 15,000 boxes this year.
Sexton is the reigning Ms. Arkansas F.A.C.S. and has enlisted her fellow pageant queens to help raise awareness and collect donations. Sexton attended this year’s Kickoff Party yesterday with Petite Arkansas F.A.C.S. winner, Harmony Hawkins, and Miss Brickfest 2023 People’s Choice Award winner, Jariah Binns.
The queens were joined by West Fraser Leola General Manager, Charles Roquemore, and colleague Shari Jackson. West Fraser has donated over 13,500 boxes to the effort over the last couple of years, and Sexton, who refers to the company as a “super cereal sponsor”, is happy to report that West Fraser is committed to participating this year, as well. The details surrounding West Fraser’s generous involvement will be shared at a later date.
The Ouachita District 4-H has also signed on this year to collect donations. Their effort will be coordinated by HSC 4-H Teen Leaders with assistance from Rachel Bearden, County Extension Agent at Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service.
Sexton’s group were joined at the celebration by reps from other donating teams and facilitators from the Arkansas Foodbank, who will distribute the donations throughout the state during the course of the summer and beyond.
“The Arkansas Foodbank celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, and we challenge teams and individuals to make this the most successful Summer Cereal Drive yet,” as stated on their website. “YOU can help provide dignity, hope, and a brighter future for our neighbors by joining in the fight against hunger this summer.”
To participate in the Summer Cereal Drive, you can donate one or more of the following breakfast food items:
*Dry cereal, in boxes or bags
*Oatmeal
*Cream of Wheat *Poptarts
*Cereal breakfast bars *Other non-perishable breakfast items
Monetary donations are also encouraged and may be a more effective way to help, as the Arkansas Foodbank can purchase a single box of cereal for only $1.
Over 80 teams have signed up to participate in the drive. A little friendly competition, and a lot of hard work and dedication, will determine who among the crowd will win one of the noted awards at the end of the fundraising effort, as mentioned in the Arkansas Foodbank online info:
Overall Champion— Awarded to the team who raises the most cereal overall, no matter what division.
Snap, Crackle, Pop Spirit Award—awarded to the team that exemplifies the spirit of the Summer Cereal Drive.
Cheerio Award for Outstanding New Team—awarded to the new team who raises the most cereal.
Community Partner Award—awarded to Community Partners who make a difference in their communities by participating in the Summer Cereal Drive. Whether it be attending community sites, donating to the cereal drive, or providing the refreshments at events, the Arkansas Foodbank is thankful for all their Community Partners.
It’s not too late for your business to join West Fraser in becoming a Corporate Sponsor, which can be done at various monetary levels and is a great way to get your business a little attention while making a positive impact in the lives of your fellow Arkansans.
Sexton said she also wants to encourage younger individuals and/or youth groups to consider jumping on board this worthwhile cause.
“One of my key goals is to incorporate kids more,” Sexton said, adding that the concept of “Kids helping kids” is something she wants to promote among HSC youth.
Sexton is happy to talk to individuals or groups about the fundraiser, or to help facilitate your donation. She invites people of all ages to reach out and said that kids who want to help should ask their parents to get ahold of her. She can be reached at 501-622-7680 or 870-2465111. You can reach her via email at angela.sexton@ goosehead.com.
You can also donate online. For more information about the THV11 Summer Cereal Drive and access to an online donation portal, visit the Arkansas Foodbank website at arkansasfoodbank.org and click the “Events” icon in the drop-down menu.