Brighter Bites was recently honored by the YMCA Dallas with the inaugural Catalyst Award for Advancing Equity. Magaly Solis, Dallas Senior Program Manager, accepted the award on behalf of the organization. This fantastic honor was featured on Brighter Bites’ own Twitter feed.
Brighter Bites and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas Partner to Expand Access to Fresh Produce and Food Literacy in Texas
$40,000 Grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas Supports Brighter Bites Expansions in the State
Houston, TX (June 30, 2020) – Brighter Bites is pleased to announce a grant of $40,000 from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) to support the implementation and expansion of the nonprofit’s Texas programming. The grant is a collaboration between BCBSTX and Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger relief organization.
The grant helped Brighter Bites reach its overall Texas programming goal to operate within 90 schools in the state. This allows for the safe distribution of nearly 100,000 pre-packed boxes containing more than 1.8 million pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as thousands of nutrition education materials since the beginning of the grant. The boxes included 112 different produce varieties, year-end survey instruments for families around issues of food insecurity, nutrition, and healthy habits, and teacher questionnaires were also launched due in part to the BCBSTX funding.
In addition to the overall Texas support, this grant also made a significant impact during the second half of this past school year (2020-2021), supporting Brighter Bites programming in four additional Dallas schools. These new schools allowed the Dallas program to enroll 908 new children and their families, and distribute 3,920 boxes of produce totaling 84,635 pounds, along with thousands of nutrition education materials.
“This generous grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas allowed us to increase the total number of Texas students and families we serve, bringing our new Texas total to over 25,000 families,” said Julie Macpherson, Texas Regional Director of Brighter Bites. “And with Brighter Bites families still dealing with the effects of COVID-19, these steady sources of fresh food, as well as the accompanying nutrition education materials, were welcomed.”
Food insecurity is a major social determinant of health. The collaboration between Brighter Bites, BCBSTX and Feeding America ensured that families not only were able to put healthy, nutrition-dense food on the table, but also establish long-term, sustainable changes in dietary behavior.
“We’ve seen food insecurity in our communities amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Sheena Payne, director of BCBSTX’s Community Investments. “As the state’s largest health plan, we must be part of the solution when it comes of transforming people lives whether that is providing them with access to cost-effective, high-quality healthcare or helping to reduce barriers in accessing nutritious food. That’s why we teamed up with Feeding America to continue our support of local food banks like Brighter Bites. We want to help ensure everyone has access to healthy, nutritious food.”
Through the collaboration, Brighter Bites Texas has provided thousands of free recipes, tip sheets, and nutrition education materials to help families prepare healthy meals together at home. Brighter Bites also continues to work withteachers to implement its evidence-based health curriculum in the classroom that will help students adopt long-term healthy eating habits.
# # #
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 nearly 40 million pounds of produce and millions of nutrition education materials to more than 475,000 individuals (including teachers) in Houston, Dallas, Austin, New York City, the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area, and Southwest Florida. In February 2021 Brighter Bites expanded its programming to Salinas, California. To learn more about Brighter Bites visit www.brighterbites.org.
NBC-DFW, Channel 5, ran a piece around how Brighter Bites is making heathy eating possible despite the ongoing challenges of the pandemic. Brighter Bites’ mission, programming and COVID-19 adaptations were all discussed in the broadcast piece. The new Brighter Bites app, available to participating students and their families, was also highlighted.
Brighter Bites Launches Produce Coupon Program with 99 Cents Only Stores to Continue to Support Food Insecure Families in Mesquite, TX
Four 99 Cents Only Stores Accepting $25 Coupons
Houston, TX (August 3, 2020) – The continuing COVID-19 pandemic has brought much uncertainty into all of our lives, and this uncertainty is especially magnified for those who identify as food insecure. With widespread school closures, 25,000 families in Houston, Dallas, 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 greater need of daily nourishment.
Today, Brighter Bites and 99 Cents Only stores are announcing a new initiative aimed at ensuring that all families who are currently enrolled in Brighter Bites within Mesquite ISD schools gain access to fresh produce. Brighter Bites is rolling out the initiative for over 700 families, and coupons will be mailed out today.
The families are currently Brighter Bites participants at the following schools: Cannaday Elementary School, Floyd Elementary School, Hanby Elementary School, Hodges Elementary School, Range Elementary School and Seabourn Elementary School. Families will receive four $25 coupons, each valid for a timed, two-week period. The coupons are valid for produce purchases at the following 99 Cents Only stores:
3330 N. Galloway Avenue, Mesquite, TX 75150
950 W. Centerville Road, Garland, TX 75041
1445 W Buckingham Rd, Garland, TX 75042
9009 Bruton Road, Dallas, TX 75217
“Our families need healthy food now more than ever,” said Brighter Bites Dallas Program Director Julie Macpherson. “In addition to our Mesquite ISD school distributions, Brighter Bites will also provide fruits and vegetables to our families through this coupon program. This partnership will give families even more access to fresh food, and we are grateful for 99 Cents Only’s support.”
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.
“We have been following the great work of Brighter Bites for years and are impressed with its ability to distribute produce quickly to children and their families,” said Bruce Levine, Chief Merchandising Officer of 99 Cents Only. “We are delighted to participate in this program and to support families in need during these challenging times and in the months ahead.”
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 99 Cents Only Stores:
Founded in 1982, 99 Cents Only Stores LLC is the leading operator of extreme value stores in California and the Southwestern United States. 99 Cents currently operates 386 stores located in California, Texas, Arizona and Nevada. 99 Cents Only Stores LLC offers a broad assortment of name brand and other attractively priced merchandise and compelling seasonal product offerings. For more information, visit www.99only.com.
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:
Check out this story in the Oak Cliff Advocate published about our incredible Brighter Bites team in Dallas.
We are all witnessing and living through one of the most challenging times in modern history. Like all of you, Brighter Bites is adapting to the new reality brought on by the coronavirus outbreak.
Support will impact nationwide programming, expansion in Houston and Dallas, TX.
Houston, TX (March 12, 2020) – As part of its commitment to creating healthier communities free of hunger and waste, The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation has directed a $50,000 grant to Brighter Bites to support expanding access to fresh produce and nutrition education in underserved communities across the U.S. The grant will support Brighter Bites’ program implementation nationwide, as well as program expansion in two Kroger communities—Houston and Dallas.
“Brighter Bites is thankful to The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation for its generous support and commitment to addressing the relationship between food insecurity and waste in our communities,” said Brighter Bites CEO Rich Dachman. “Through this partnership, Brighter Bites will be able to redirect more produce into the hands of those that need it—mitigating food waste while feeding and teaching healthier habits to the families we serve.”
While an estimated 10% of the U.S. population has poor access to fresh foods, 40% of the U.S. supply chain of fruits and vegetables goes to waste every year, costing $218 billion annually to grow, process, transport and dispose of food that is never eaten.
Embedded within the Brighter Bites formula is the implicit mitigation of food waste. By increasing the recovery of produce from growers, distributors, and food banks, and reducing food waste at the consumer level by teaching families how to use it, Brighter Bites is working to convert food waste into a public health opportunity.
“The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation is excited to partner with Brighter Bites to expand their program,” said Sunny Reelhorn Parr, executive director of The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation. “We celebrate their dedication to education and outreach efforts, and we look forward to working with their innovative team to help achieve our mission of creating communities free of hunger and waste.”
Brighter Bites’ partnership with The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation will also include volunteer support from Kroger associates at Brighter Bites program sites in Houston and Dallas. This school year, the organization is projected to enroll more than 30,000 children and their families across 133 schools and 48 summer camps in eight cities.
This story was published in the following publications:
This past school year, the Dallas team served families at 20 programming sites. Learn all about the program and meet the folks who make it possible!
We are excited to welcome Julie Macpherson, who will join the team in late July as the program director for Brighter Bites in Dallas. Julie joins Brighter Bites with a passion for food and food-related concerns after an extensive career within the public and nonprofit sectors focused on civil rights, environmental protection, and social service management.
As a high school exchange student, international studies major, and later resident of Washington D.C., Julie developed interests in world food traditions, cooking, and building relationships through food. Living in Portland cemented her love for farmers markets and connecting with growers and the land. After returning to Texas where she earned her undergraduate and master’s degrees, Julie became more involved with issues of hunger, food access for underserved populations, nutrition in food distribution programs, and fair trade food systems. The last included travel to the Dominican Republic to learn from organic cacao farmers within community-based, worker-owned cooperatives.
Julie is incredibly excited to bring her nonprofit experience and passion for healthy food to Brighter Bites, and the team looks forward to the opportunity to learn and grow under Julie’s leadership! Please join us in giving Julie a warm welcome!