HOUSTON, TX - Fresh fruits and vegetables will be in the hands of even more individuals who need it, as industry champion Brighter Bites has recommitted to an integral partnership. The nonprofit will continue partnering with the Houston Food Bank, which is its longest-standing Houston, Texas-area partner, to distribute fresh food to families in need.
“Our Brighter Bites community is so grateful to the Houston Food Bank for its long-standing willingness to help and its flexibility as we all navigate the evolving needs of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Brighter Bites CEO Rich Dachman. “The Houston Food Bank’s ability to adapt its food supply chain, grant us warehouse space within its facilities, and operate so nimbly, allowed us to continue our work to distribute fresh produce to students, their families, and teachers in Houston.”
Throughout the fall of 2020 and into 2021, Brighter Bites and the Houston Food Bank ensured local families received fresh produce and nutrition education on schedule, even as the area experienced uncertainty from the pandemic. When COVID-19 halted Brighter Bites’ model utilizing parent volunteers to pack donated bulk produce, the Houston Food Bank stepped in to help with continued donations of a variety of fresh produce items, warehouse space, and volunteer support to pack produce boxes in its facility.
Since Brighter Bites’ 2020–2021 school year programming began in September, the Houston Food Bank has donated over 1.2 million pounds of fresh produce to ensure all 11,000 Houston-area Brighter Bites families received the produce they so critically need during the pandemic. According to a press release, even more growth is anticipated this spring with so many efficient systems already in place. Volunteers from both organizations will be ready to continue their missions of serving families in the greater Houston area.
“Houston Food Bank and Brighter Bites have a shared goal to provide nutritious fresh produce to the community and those impacted by food insecurity,” said Brian Greene, President and CEO of the Food Bank. “Our work is not just critical during the pandemic but beyond, and after a strong eight-year relationship, I am confident that we will continue to expand our reach throughout Houston even after the pandemic subsides.” ;
We at AndNowUKnow give our deepest thanks for all of those who continue to fight against hunger with fresh produce.
