Piedmont Medical Center Annual Cereal Drive Helps Combat Hunger in York County

One in six children faces hunger in the U.S.—but right here in York County, there’s a way to help. Piedmont Medical Center is stepping up once again to lead the charge against food insecurity with its annual Healthy Over Hungry® Cereal Drive, running June 9-20, 2025.

In partnership with area first responders, Piedmont Medical Center is calling on the community to donate healthy, non-perishable cereal to help local families start their mornings with a nutritious breakfast this summer. All donations will go to Pilgrims’ Inn, a nonprofit food pantry in Rock Hill that served over 13,000 individuals in 2024—and expects even more this year.

Friendly Competition for a Cause

Within the hospital system, departments will be facing off in a friendly competition to see who can collect the most cereal servings. But the real goal is shared by all: ensuring that children and families have access to a healthy start to their day, especially when school-based nutrition programs are on pause.

“At our hospitals, we understand that a healthy breakfast is crucial for everyone’s well-being, especially children,” said Teresa Urquhart, Market CEO of Piedmont Medical Center. “We are proud to once again host the Healthy Over Hungry Cereal Drive to support Pilgrims’ Inn and help families in need. Thank you in advance to our community for your generosity.”

In 2024, the Piedmont Medical Center network donated over 20,000 servings of healthy cereal through this initiative.

A Community Lifeline

For Pilgrims’ Inn, the impact is significant and lasting.

“The cereal drive from Piedmont Medical Center is a blessing every summer,” said Lemeila Crockett, Emergency Assistance Coordinator for Pilgrims’ Inn. “With kids out of school, access to breakfast is limited. These donations often sustain us for up to six months and are more important than ever as we support families across South Carolina.”

A Nationwide Effort with Local Roots

The Healthy Over Hungry® initiative began in 2010 when nurse Pam Taurence at Children’s Hospital of Michigan saw firsthand how summer break left many children without reliable meals. What started as a grassroots effort among nurses has now expanded nationally through Tenet Healthcare, Piedmont’s parent company, with cereal drives hosted across the country.

Where to Donate

Healthy cereal donations can be dropped off at the following York County locations:

Rock Hill

• Piedmont Medical Center – 222 S. Herlong Ave.

• Women’s Center – 222 Dr. Frank Gaston Blvd.

• Piedmont Heart & Vascular Center – 222 S. Herlong Ave.

• Women’s Diagnostic Center – 218 S. Herlong Ave.

• Rock Hill Police Department – 120 E Black St

• NAMI Piedmont Tri-County “The Hut” – 415 Oakland Ave

Fort Mill

• Piedmont Medical Center – Fort Mill – 1000 Wellness Way

• Gold Hill Emergency Department – 995 Gold Hill Rd

• Imaging Center at Baxter Village – 506 6th Baxter Crossing

• Fort Mill Fire Dept (Station 1) – 121 Tom Hall St

• Fort Mill Police Department – 112 Confederate St

York

• City of York Fire Department – 14 N. Roosevelt St

Tega Cay

• Tega Cay Fire Department – 1195 Stonecrest Blvd

Clover

• Clover Police Department – 112 Bethel St

Monetary donations can also be made directly to Pilgrims’ Inn during the drive, from June 9–20, to help supplement cereal with milk, fruit, lean proteins, and other breakfast essentials.