Brighter Bites continues to distribute produce during pandemic

Brighter Bites continues to distribute produce during pandemic

(UPDATED) Brighter Bites, which distributes fresh produce to students and families through a network of schools, is working to reach them as schools shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The organization, which serves Houston, Dallas, Austin, Texas, New York City, metropolitan Washington D.C., and southwest Florida, is making nutrition education available for families when produce distribution is not an option.

Brighter Bites’ priority is the safety of its employees and families it serves, according to a news release, and it is “making every effort to find distribution mechanisms to ensure” families receive fresh produce.

“While the schools we partner with are closed, Brighter Bites is working with stakeholders to develop alternative opportunities for distributing produce to local families,” according to the release. “We are also working with our produce partner suppliers to redirect donated produce and working with our supply chain to help continue that process moving forward.” 

Some of the Brighter Bites efforts during the crisis are;

  • Providing more than 300 families with students at Public School 151Q in Queens, N.Y., with almost 4,600 pounds of organic grapes, oranges and pre-packed pantry bags from City Harvest;
  • Packing and distributing 830 bags of fresh produce at three Austin elementary schools, using product donated by Hardie’s Fresh Food.
  • Distributing produce to more than 500 families at the Bethel Assembly of God in Immokalee, Fla. Harry Chapin Food Bank, Southern Specialties, Freedom Fresh and B&W Quality Growers donated 12 different produce items.

 

Other Brighter Bites initiatives in progress include:

  • Opening two produce distribution centers in Houston in collaboration with Harris County Precinct 2 and Houston Area YMCA; H-E-B corporate staff and the Schweitzer Foundation staff have offered to help;
  • The North Texas Food Bank and the food banks it distributes to in Dallas are exempt from a “shelter in place” order, and Brighter Bites plans to distribute food donated by Brothers Produce’s Dallas branch and FreshPoint-Dallas/Austin;
  • Offering produce distribution through a schools in Austin March 25 and March 27;
  • Securing a distribution hub at a school in New York, if City Harvest can deliver the produce;
  • Contacting Brighter Bites families in Washington, D.C., to alert them to take-home food options because the organization is unable to secure produce distribution hubs due to partner limitations; and
  • Distributing produce in Southwest Florida through a partnership with the Southwest Florida Community Foundation, Blue Zones SW FL, and Lee County families.
     

Related stories:

Avocados From Mexico renews Brighter Bites partnership

Chelan Fresh donates Rockit apples through Brighter Bites

Cigna Foundation donates $100K to Brighter Bites

 

 

Latest News

How new research could prevent frost damage in orchards
How new research could prevent frost damage in orchards

In this podcast episode, Advanced Agriscience's Collin Juurakko shares interesting discoveries he's made about how frost crystals form and how that lead to a potential solution for tree-fruit growers across the globe.

Cool Creations previews new products at AWG show
Cool Creations previews new products at AWG show

North Kansas City, Mo.-based Cool Creations LLC had two new products to show off at the Associated Wholesale Grocers' seventh annual Innovation Showcase, March 25-26.

Dole, Fresh Express nix sale of fresh vegetables division
Dole, Fresh Express nix sale of fresh vegetables division

Following Department of Justice concerns about competition in the packaged salad market, the companies have abandoned the proposed $308 million deal.

Fresh Del Monte named to most trusted companies list
Fresh Del Monte named to most trusted companies list

Fresh Del Monte is among the honorees on the Most Trustworthy Companies in America 2024 list, recognized for a commitment to quality, sustainability and innovation in fresh produce.

Improved conditions for West Mexico produce may arrive with spring
Improved conditions for West Mexico produce may arrive with spring

West Mexico growers faced a tough fall/winter season, but distributors believe things are looking up for spring with increased supplies and more reasonable prices.

What’s next for retail foodservice: Retailers dish up insights in free webinar
What’s next for retail foodservice: Retailers dish up insights in free webinar

"Impact Retail Foodservice 2024" will gather industry experts to discuss opportunities and challenges, as well as share insights for driving growth in the year ahead in one of the hottest departments in grocery.