Keyword/Tag: Houston

Teaching CATCH at Lantrip Elementary

Posted on May 29, 2015 by -

This week, Molly, Mike, and I taught CATCH lessons to the 1st graders at Lantrip Elementary School in Houston. We each taught two classes about the CATCH concepts of “GO” and “WHOA.”  We discussed the importance of being healthy by eating GO foods and doing GO activities – the ones that a parent, coach, or pediatrician would green light or say “yes” to, instead of “not now” or “no.” The kids’ responses and feedback during the lessons created a fun and energetic atmosphere. Their eyes lit up when we talked about the fruits and vegetables they enjoy like strawberries, apples, broccoli, and carrots.

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They drew colorful pictures of healthy foods when we asked them to represent their favorite fruits and vegetables. I noticed their excitement when they spoke about activities like swimming, jumping, running in the park, and playing organized sports. The first graders at Lantrip have learned the concept of making healthy choices. The CATCH curriculum has helped light a spark within the students there and we at Brighter Bites hope to keep it going with the fruit and vegetables we give them in their bags each week.

Healthy Kids Day at the YMCA

Posted on May 1, 2015 by -

On Saturday, April 25th, over 1,300 YMCAs across the country took part in Healthy Kids Day, holding free community events that were open to all kids and families and filled with fun, active play and educational opportunities. Brighter Bites was excited to be a part of this at two Houston-area YMCAs! We gave away oranges and grapes to participants, as well as healthy recipes and parent education materials. We also informed parents about our upcoming summer season that will take place at both locations we visited; families are excited for the Brighter Bites summer season to start! The gymnasiums were filled with children hula-hooping, eating oranges, learning about first-aid, and many other healthy activities. Parents learned about how Brighter Bites will impact their children’s lives this summer. Last summer, over 100 families at the San Jacinto YMCA received fresh fruits and vegetables every week and 150 families participated at the MD Anderson YMCA. This summer, we hope to serve even more families and make a bigger impact in their lives with our new recipes and educational materials.

Hunger Free Texans Conference

Posted on April 17, 2015 by -

Brighter Bites staff members attended the Hunger Free Texans Annual Conference in Houston this year. We were one of the many booths educating industry professionals on our efforts to keep Houston healthy. The conference afforded us the opportunity to build partnerships with other organizations whose goals mirror our own: improving food literacy and igniting a passion for fresh produce. It was inspiring for us to meet and collaborate with other people who are as equally passionate about keeping our community healthy. Our co-founder Shreela Sharma, PhD RD LD, from the UT School of Public Health presented her research on Brighter Bites. She described how our model incorporates CATCH for promoting healthier environments at school and at home to help fight obesity. Dr. Sharma’s presentation is available here in video format or here in PDF only.

Lunch Conversations at KIPP Dream

Posted on April 3, 2015 by -

Meet my friend Isabela, a 1st grader at KIPP Dream in Houston. She is one of the smartest, funniest, and curious kids I get the pleasure of hanging out with every week.

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Every Wednesday at 11:47AM (that is when her class eats lunch), you will find me sitting on the last seat of the cafeteria table talking with her. She always saves me a seat! This week she was super sweaty when we met for lunch so I asked her why. She told me she had been playing football and refereeing the game. She loves football and even watched the Super Bowl this year. I told her I couldn’t even remember who won the game. Isabela was quick to remind me that the Patriots beat the Seahawks. Next, I asked about Isabela about her favorite meal. She loves carrot salad and even helps her mom prepare it! She gave me the recipe: shredded carrots, avocados, tomatoes and onions. Meeting kids like Isabela reminds me of the important role parents play in their kids’ eating habits. Isabela’s mom has exposed her to a great variety of vegetables and fruits and has also invited Isabela into the kitchen to prepare snacks and meals with her The result: a child who loves her fruits and vegetables. So, parents, encourage your kids to try different fruits and vegetables – they just might like them!

Houston Food Bank President discusses Brighter Bites in Houston Chronicle Op-ed

Posted on March 20, 2015 by -

In an article about the accessibility of healthy foods for low-income families, Houston Food Bank president Brian Greene discusses how Brighter Bites harnesses the power of “produce as a life-changer.” Our partner explained the Brighter Bites model of filling the plates of young students and their families with fresh produce and educating them on the benefits of fresh food in a fun environment. We’re grateful for the kind shout-out!

Read the full article here.

The Brighter Bites Legacy

Posted on March 6, 2015 by -

Legacy Volunteers As a program coordinator for Brighter Bites in Houston, my favorite part of the job is getting to spend time in the community. I love meeting new people and experiencing different cultures. Brighter Bites gives me the opportunity to do that on a daily basis. When KIPP Legacy Elementary School in Houston joined Brighter Bites in Fall 2013, we were impressed with the level of commitment, organization and excitement the school leadership and volunteers displayed from the beginning. Almost two years later, their enthusiasm remains strong. Every week, between 18-22 KIPP Legacy parents volunteer to help make  Brighter Bites happen for their kids. The bagging process is usually filled with jokes, laughter and food (a Brighter Bites formula for success). Almost every week, a parent volunteer will share a recipe and sample with the group. This week a mother shared Guayaba Tea (tea made from guavas). It was the perfect beverage for an unsually cold Houston morning. Last week another parent shared a delicious chocoflan (known in the US as “impossible cake”). It has been a joy for me to work with everyone at KIPP Legacy who has made the Brighter Bites program a huge success. The Brighter Bites team is grateful for everything you do. Keep up the great work!

PhotoVoice Exhibition

Posted on March 3, 2015 by -

Last week we held our first ever PhotoVoice Exhibit!  Listen to Brighter Bites mom, volunteer, and researcher talk about how Brighter Bites has affected her community. What is PhotoVoice?  It is a community research project that explores how communities are reacting to the Brighter Bites Program. The parents who participated in this project developed research questions, took photos then reflected on and analyzed the resulting pictures, all as a team.  To see the photos visit our Facebook page.