On Juneteenth, the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Redcoats and the Jefferson County Young Professionals Network joined efforts to support the THV11 Summer Cereal Drive.
Meeting at Super 1 Foods on 28th Avenue in Pine Bluff, the Redcoats donated $250 worth of cereal, while the Young Professionals presented a $500 check in support of the cause, according to the chamber newsletter.
All contributions made in Pine Bluff will remain in the Pine Bluff community, helping to fight hunger locally during the summer months when children are out of school.
“As a bonus, both groups had the exciting opportunity to participate in a television spot during the event, helping spread awareness for the drive and the importance of community involvement,” according to the newsletter.
Since 2000, teams across central and south Arkansas have competed to provide the most cereal to people facing hardships — particularly children — during summer months, according to the Arkansas Food Bank.
“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,” according to the website.