Director of Sourcing Jennifer Boone lends her thought leadership in this article about the USDA’s Farmer to Families food box program. Check out the story here.
The Packer: Food Box Program Readies for Sudden Start
News Type: Media Mentions
CNN’s Thank You Thursday Features Brighter Bites NYC
Brighter Bites NYC is SO LUCKY to have Gina Flores on our team!
Gina joined first joined us as one of our most committed and hardworking parent volunteers at Ps 212 in Jackson Heights, Queens. After a few weeks, she officially joined the Brighter Bites family, leading our produce baggings and distributions at schools in Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan.
Gina has been a critical member of our team for years. It’s no surprise to us that she has risen to the occasion during this pandemic to go above and beyond for our families. Check out this CNN Go There piece highlighting how AWESOME Gina is! Skip to 4:15 to watch Gina receive some much deserved praise!
Patch.com/MSN.COM: New LIC-Based Food Pantry to Feed Thousands of Queens Families
Local Queens reporter Maya Kaufman wrote a wonderful story about Brighter NYC and Queens Together delivery produce to thousands of families in Queens.
“Led by grassroots groups Queens Together and The Connected Chef and the New York City chapter of the nonprofit Brighter Bites, volunteers and paid workers will pack and deliver bags of fresh produce to 2,000 families every Tuesday.” See the rest of the story here.
Press Release: PMA Joins PHA in Announcing COVID-19 Fresh Food Fund Partnership
Brighter Bites on WNBC in New York City
WNBC, the NBC affiliate station aired a story about the Brighter Bites NYC effort in Queens in partnership with Queens Together, where they are assembling produce bags for 2000 families in Queens and delivering them to their doors. Check out the piece here.
The following broadcast outlets also aired stories. They are not available online:
- WPIX – 11
- FOX NY
- NY1- Espanol
ANUK: Brighter Bites Launches Produce Voucher Program with H-E-B, Winn-Dixie
April 27, 2020
By Lillian Diep, And Now U Know
HOUSTON, TX – The current public health crisis has brought much uncertainty to our lives, but is especially magnified for those who are food insecure. However, in times like these, heroes in the industry are teaming up to provide fresh produce to those in need. Brighter Bites has formed partnerships with H-E-B, Southeastern Grocers, and Winn-Dixie to provide $25 produce vouchers bi-weekly to every Brighter Bites household for fruit and vegetable purchases.
Read the rest of the story on the And Now U Know website.
Press Release: Brighter Bites Launches Produce Voucher Program
Brighter Bites Launches Produce Voucher Program to Continue to Support Food Insecure Families during Coronavirus Pandemic Nonprofit rolls out $2 million COVID-19 relief program
Houston, TX (April 23, 2020) – The combined public health crisis and economic collapse inflicting our nation has brought much uncertainty to all of our lives, but is especially magnified for those who identify as food insecure. With the onset of the COVID-19 crisis and widespread school closures, 25,000 families in Houston, Austin, New York City, Washington, D.C. and Southwest Florida who normally rely on nonprofit Brighter Bites for weekly produce and nutrition education are now in even more need of daily nourishment. These are families who already struggle to make ends meet.
Today, Brighter Bites is announcing a new, emergency initiative aimed at ensuring that all families who are currently enrolled in Brighter Bites around the U.S. have the opportunity to access fresh produce when they need it most.
Brighter Bites is rolling out the initiative this week for 14,100 families In Houston and Austin in partnership with the Texas grocery retailer H-E-B and next week for 1,100 families in Southwest Florida with Southeastern Grocers, parent company of Winn-Dixie stores.
Brighter Bites is giving $25 produce vouchers bi-weekly to every Brighter Bites household for fruit and vegetable purchases over the next two-three months at H-E-B and Winn-Dixie stores. This initiative will ensure no Brighter Bites family has to forfeit health or safety in order to survive this crisis.
“This is a time that our families need healthy food more than ever to boost their immune systems. When schools closed and our distribution model was interrupted we knew we had to pivot our business,” said Brighter Bites CEO Rich Dachman. “Brighter Bites will continue providing our families with fruits and vegetables through this program, allowing them to maintain the same level of produce in their homes as they did through Brighter Bites distributions. We could not have executed this program without the partnership of H-E-B, Southeastern Grocers, and Winn-Dixie. We are so grateful for their support.”
Dachman added Brighter Bites will convert its online nutrition education programs to a distance learning model.
Under normal circumstances, Brighter Bites works with their families across 100 plus schools in six cities, with each family receiving 25 pounds of fresh, seasonal produce and nutrition education on a weekly basis. Brighter Bites families were actively engaged in the program, and data shows that they were consuming significantly more fresh produce and talking about nutrition more often in their homes, too.
To sustain this program for all Brighter Bites families for the next two to three months, the nonprofit will need to raise additional funding to continue issuing produce vouchers to families until this crisis subsides. To make a donation please visit www.brighterbites.org.
About Brighter Bites:
Brighter Bites is a nonprofit that creates communities of health through fresh food with the goal of changing behavior among children and their families to prevent obesity and achieve long-term health. Brighter Bites is an evidence-based, multi-component elementary school, preschool, and summer camp program that utilizes reliable access to fruits and vegetables, nutrition education, and consistent exposure to recipes and messages that feature fresh food. Since 2012, Brighter Bites has provided more than 27 million pounds of produce and millions of nutrition education materials to more than 275,000 individuals (including teachers) in Houston, Dallas, Austin, New York City, the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area, and Southwest Florida. To learn more about Brighter Bites visit www.brighterbites.org.
This story was published in the following publications:
- And Now U Know
- Austin-American Statesman
- Ft. Myers News-Press/Naples Daily News
- Grocery Insight
- NBC2 News – Ft. Myers NBC affiliate
- Progressive Grocer
- WINK News – Ft. Myers CBS affliliate
Press Release: Brighter Bites, Houston Food Bank and YMCA Partner in Houston
PROVIDING MORE PRODUCE TO NEIGHBORHOODS IS GOAL OF PARTNERSHIP WITH THREE NON-PROFITS
HOUSTON – April 17, 2020 … Now more than ever, it is important for us all to incorporate healthy eating into our daily lives to keep our immune systems strong during the COVID-19 crisis. For those with already limited access to food, this time can be especially challenging, including accessing fresh fruits and vegetables. But a partnership with three local non-profits is working to make sure that more fresh produce is available in neighborhoods that need it the most across Houston.
Recently, Houston Food Bank had the opportunity to secure an increased amount of produce and jumped at the chance to ensure distribution of this valuable commodity to as many people as possible. To channel this produce out to the community, they are joining forces for produce distributions with YMCA of Greater Houston and Brighter Bites.
The food bank and YMCA had already begun working together on other projects when the idea for these additional distributions was born. And for YMCA, this partnership means a great deal to them: other than the fact that they are able to help ensure that individuals and families are able to put fresh and healthy food on their table, this partnership has personal meaning because it has allowed them to bring about 100 of their previously furloughed staff back to work to serve the community.
“YMCA of Greater Houston is honored to partner with the Houston Food Bank and Brighter Bites to ensure families have access to critical food supplies during this difficult time,” says Steve Ives, CEO, YMCA of Greater Houston. “With this powerful partnership, we will be able to better serve the Greater Houston area and those communities struggling to put food on the table.”
All of the produce is provided by Houston Food Bank. Brighter Bites, a local non-profit that delivers fresh produce and nutrition education to families to help them healthier habits, is participating by training and monitoring staff at the sites to make sure that the packing of the bags/boxes has balanced nutrition distribution.
“We are so very proud of our partnership with the Houston Food Bank and the YMCA of Greater Houston during this crisis,” says Brighter Bites CEO Rich Dachman. “It is because of this incredible joint effort that thousands of Houston families will be receiving a weekly supply of free fresh fruits and vegetables to help them create healthy meals at a time when they need to increase their immunity while their financial resources may be even more limited.”
The produce distributions are taking place at locations throughout the city, using a drive-thru model and social distancing (mask, gloves, etc.) in keeping with CDC recommendations. Each distribution will include at least 20 pallets of fresh produce (16,000 – 20,000 pounds) and expects to serve 2,400 families each day (800 families per site, currently).
“COVID-19 has impacted every facet of life, including access to food and dining habits,” says Brian Greene, president/CEO of Houston Food Bank. “But we want to make sure that the food we distribute during this crisis remains produce focused as it is during ‘normal’ times. We want to always provide food for better lives, and we are grateful for the strong relationships we have with other social service organizations so that together we can best serve the community.”
About YMCA of Greater Houston
First organized in 1886, the YMCA of Greater Houston is one of the city’s leading non-profits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The YMCA, a United Way of Greater Houston agency, seeks to serve all – regardless of age, income, faith or background and we welcome everyone. In the greater Houston area, 25 YMCA facilities, one overnight camp and hundreds of program sites strive to empower youth, build healthier families and foster inclusive communities. Anchored in the Houston community, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. To learn more, call 713-659-5566 or visit us on the web at www.ymcahouston.org.
About Brighter Bites
Brighter Bites is a nonprofit that creates communities of health through fresh food with the goal of changing behavior among children and their families to prevent obesity and achieve long-term health. Brighter Bites is an evidence-based, multi-component elementary school, preschool, and summer camp program that utilizes reliable access to fruits and vegetables, nutrition education, and consistent exposure to recipes and messages that feature fresh food. Since 2012, Brighter Bites has provided more than 27 million pounds of produce and millions of nutrition education materials to more than 275,000 individuals (including teachers) in Houston, Dallas, Austin, New York City, the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area, and Southwest Florida. To learn more about Brighter Bites visit www.brighterbites.org.
About Houston Food Bank
Houston Food Bank’s mission is to provide food for better lives. Last year we provided access to 104 million nutritious meals in 18 counties in southeast Texas through our 1,500 community partners which includes food pantries, soup kitchens, social service providers and schools. We have a strong focus on healthy foods and fresh produce. In addition to distributing food, we provide services and connections to programs that address the root causes of hunger and are aimed at helping families achieve long-term stability, including nutrition education, job training, health management and help with securing state-funded assistance. We are a resource for individuals and families in times of hardship. We are a solution to food waste, working with grocery stores and growers to rescue food before it reaches landfills. In collaboration with our community, we advocate for policy change and promote dialogue on ways to increase access to food and to improve the lives of those we serve. Houston Food Bank works alongside our partner food banks in Montgomery County, Galveston Country, and Brazos Valley. Houston Food Bank is a certified member of Feeding America, the nation’s food bank network, with a four-star rating from Charity Navigator.
This story was published in the following publications:
- The Houston Chronicle
- Houston Style Magazine
- KHOU – Houston CBS affiliate
- The Packer
- The Paper
- Telemundo Houston
- Woodlands Online
Press Release: Brighter Bites Partners with FreshPoint Dallas
Brighter Bites Partners with FreshPoint Dallas to Continue Produce
Distributions during COVID-19 Pandemic
More than 850 Dallas-area families receive fresh fruit and vegetables at local YMCAs
Dallas, TX (March 30, 2020) – Brighter Bites in Dallas is continuing to ensure its families receive the fresh produce and nutrition education they were on schedule to receive this semester, even as Dallas experiences the uncertainty of the COVID-19 crisis.
On Friday at the Lakewest YMCA, Brighter Bites distributed 10 different varieties of fresh fruits and vegetables to approximately 500 families who attend Stevens Park Elementary, in addition to families whose children are enrolled in the childcare programs at the Lakewest YMCA and Moorland YMCA. Each family took home a 20-pound box of produce donated by local produce distributor FreshPoint Dallas containing baby carrots, English cucumbers, Asian pears, red and green bell peppers, tomatoes, limes, red grapes, and honeydew.
“The onset of the COVID-19 crisis and widespread school closures have impacted Brighter Bites’ ability to serve families who already struggle to make ends meet and rely on this produce for daily nourishment,” said Brighter Bites CEO Rich Dachman. “We are working with local partners like FreshPoint Dallas and YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas to deliver fresh fruits and vegetables to as many of our families that we can reach. We continue to aggressively pursue alternative distribution channels to ensure our families continue to receive fresh produce in the coming weeks and months.”
On Tuesday, March 31 at the Semones Family YMCA, Brighter Bites will be providing similar boxes of produce from FreshPoint Dallas to 350 families whose children attend Joe May Elementary and the childcare programs at the Semones Family YMCA.
“The COVID-19 virus has greatly impacted our communities and increased the food insecurity of our most vulnerable populations,” said David Hartman, president of FreshPoint Dallas. “As an industry leader, FreshPoint is uniquely positioned to help address this issue and provide much-needed supplies.”
“At the Y, health and wellness is our mission and we believe healthy eating and regular exercise are critical to helping maintain a healthy lifestyle during this stressful time,” said Curt Hazelbaker, President and CEO, YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas. “We want to thank FreshPoint Dallas and Brighter Bites for helping provide Y families and families throughout our community with fresh produce, so they can continue to make healthy meals at home for their families in the coming weeks.”
About Brighter Bites:
Brighter Bites is a nonprofit that creates communities of health through fresh food with the goal of changing behavior among children and their families to prevent obesity and achieve long-term health. Brighter Bites is an evidence-based, multi-component elementary school, preschool, and summer camp program that utilizes reliable access to fruits and vegetables, nutrition education, and consistent exposure to recipes and messages that feature fresh food. Since 2012, Brighter Bites has provided more than 27 million pounds of produce and millions of nutrition education materials to more than 275,000 individuals (including teachers) in Houston, Dallas, Austin, New York City, the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area, and Southwest Florida. To learn more about Brighter Bites visit BrighterBites.org.
About FreshPoint:
FreshPoint is North America’s leading produce distributor and holds its companies accountable for delivering a high level of customer service. With unmatched fresh produce, knowledge and experience, FreshPoint provides today’s chefs with the ingredients to create tomorrow’s culinary success. For more information, visit www.FreshPoint.com.
About the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas:
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas serves thousands of men, women and children each year, regardless of age, income or background. Anchored in 21 North Texas communities, the Dallas Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. The Y ensures all people have equitable access to the essentials needed to become thriving members of the community. Daily, the Y bridges and fills individual and community needs as a catalyst for impactful change. The YMCA makes accessible the support and opportunities that empower people and communities to learn, grow and thrive, with three areas of focus: Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility. To learn more or get involved in improving our local communities, have opportunities to make an impact and support your neighbors, please visit us at www.ymcadallas.org.
This story was published in the following publications:
Oak Cliff Advocate covers Brighter Bites Dallas
Check out this story in the Oak Cliff Advocate published about our incredible Brighter Bites team in Dallas.