NAPLES, FL - Brighter Bites, a national nonprofit that delivers fresh fruits and vegetables directly into families’ hands, is pleased to announce it has received a $15,000 Food and Nutrition Security Grant from the Collier Community Foundation. These funds will support the Brighter Bites 2024-2025 school year program across all Southwest Florida sites, serving 4,200 students and impacting over 1,800 families.

According to a press release, Brighter Bites offers programming in nine schools throughout Naples and Immokalee, Florida, in areas described as under-resourced.

Families that participate in programming receive up to 20 pounds of fresh produce bi-weekly along with nutrition education in the classroom and at home with the goal of creating healthy behavior change. Additional funding comes from Blue Cross Blue Shield - Florida Blue, NCEF, Publix, SEG Romay Davis, Southern Specialties, and Lipman Family Farms.

“We are very grateful for the support of Collier Community Foundation for our Southwest Florida program,” said Rich Dachman, Chief Executive Officer of Brighter Bites. “Together, we are increasing food access, improving nutrition security, and supporting the development of healthy habits.”

The Collier Community Foundation awards annual grants through a competitive application and review process. Selected organizations receive grant dollars from the Foundation’s discretionary funds. These funds were gifted by donors who believe in the Community Foundation’s ability to mobilize resources to address the community’s greatest needs.