Mar 6, 2023
Brighter Bites donations give produce directly to families

Brighter Bites, a national nonprofit that delivers fresh fruits and vegetables directly into families’ hands, has received increased funding from key industry partners Mission Produce, Sunset and Taylor Farms.

The additional donations will benefit Dallas and Salinas location programming.

“Since I first attended (the International Fresh Produce Association’s) October event as the CEO of Brighter Bites just over three years ago, I’ve had the honor of working with the most dedicated partners through Mission Produce, Sunset, and Taylor Farms,” Rich Dachman, CEO of Brighter Bites, said in a news release. “As I walked the show that year all three companies immediately stepped up to support our organization and its mission without hesitation and have continued that to this day. We are beyond thankful for their dedication and commitment to provide fresh food for underserved communities in our country.”

In addition to monetary contributions, Taylor Farms provides Brighter Bites with a weekly supply of produce to include in the program boxes distributed to under-resourced families. These typically include a variety of produce to broaden family and students’ palettes and knowledge on fruits and vegetables available for them.

“As a part of our ongoing efforts to support food accessibility, Taylor Farms values our longstanding partnership with Brighter Bites and will be increasing our donation commitment this year to help bolster the cause,” Bruce Taylor, chairman and CEO of Taylor Farms, said in the release. “We are passionate about helping families gain access to healthy fresh foods and are proud of the impact we have been able to make together with Brighter Bites.”

Mission Produce and Sunset have been ambassadors of Brighter Bites for the past three years and are considered major financial supporters. As a champion of Brighter Bites and the company’s mission, Brighter Bites is able to make a larger difference in the lives of families across the country.

“Brighter Bites provides a unique opportunity to not only the communities they serve by providing a healthy food source for those in need, but they also are exposing fresh produce to new users in many cases,” Steve Barnard, president and CEO of Mission Produce, said in the release. “This a win/win for the communities and the produce industry.”

“Brighter Bites’ vision to make fresh produce accessible to communities in need is very close to our hearts at Mastronardi Produce,” Paul Mastronardi, president and CEO of Mastronardi Produce Limited/Sunset. “Grandpa Umberto Mastronardi had that same vision more than 70 years ago when he pioneered greenhouse growing in North America. It is an honor to support the impactful work carried out by Brighter Bites in America.”

To learn more about becoming a corporate sponsor through product or financial donations, visit brighterbites.org.




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