Brighter Bites Announces Increase in Funding From Mission Produce, Mastronardi Produce, and Taylor Farms; Rich Dachman, Paul Mastronardi, and Steve Barnard Comment
HOUSTON, TX - Brighter Bites is doubling down on its operations in two central produce hubs. With sights set on improving its Dallas, Texas, and Salinas, California, programming, the organization recently announced it has received increased funding from partners Mastronardi Produce®, Mission Produce, and Taylor Farms.
“Since I first attended IFPA’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,” said Rich Dachman, Chief Executive Officer of Brighter Bites. “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.”
Mission Produce and Mastronardi Produce have been ambassadors of Brighter Bites for the past three years and are considered major financial supporters. As champions of Brighter Bites and its mission, the donors are able to make a larger difference in the lives of families across the 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, a press release explained. These typically include a variety of produce to broaden family and students’ palettes and knowledge on fruits and vegetables.
“Brighter Bites’ vision to make fresh produce accessible to communities in need is very close to our hearts at Mastronardi Produce,” said 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.”
Steve Barnard, President and CEO of Mission Produce, also commented on the news.
“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,” said Barnard. “This [is] a win/win for the communities and the produce industry.”
Cheers to this monumental step toward progress!
