HOUSTON, TX - Brighter Bites continues to set a bar in the fresh produce industry by bridging multiple gaps that exist between the farm and the consumer’s plate—especially those consumers who need it most. With COVID-19 still impacting those who identify as food insecure on top of widespread school closures, the organization along with 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.
“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.”
25,000 families in Houston, Dallas, and Austin, Texas, as well as New York City, New York, 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, according to a press release. Brighter Bites is rolling out the initiative for over 700 families, and coupons are being mailed out as we write.
“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.”
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 specific 99 Cents Only stores.
Brighter Bites works with 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 in a usual time period. Brighter Bites families are actively engaged in the program, and data shows that they are consuming significantly more fresh produce and talking about nutrition more often in their homes, too.
A huge thank you to Brighter Bites and 99 Cents Only for your compassion and charitable hearts and for leading by example in an already amazing industry.
