HOUSTON, TX - Brighter Bites continues to achieve success in its goal to bring increased fresh produce access to communities in need. The nonprofit organization recently reflected on this impact and the partnerships that make it possible during its second annual gala.

“We are so very thankful to all of the sponsors, donors, volunteers, partners, and employees who make our program possible,” said Lisa Helfman, Founder and Board Chair of Brighter Bites. “With the generosity we received not only at the gala but throughout the year, we will continue to push and expand the work we do to help create communities of health and wellness across the nation.”

The gala, which took place on March 27 in Houston, Texas, featured expert guest speakers such as Daniel Goetz, Founder of GoodPop; Becca Dittrich, Vice President of Impact at Chobani; and Chris Shepherd, Chef and Founding Director of the Southern Smoke Foundation. These guests spoke to 400 attendees about how their organizations work to support local food systems, encourage community wellness, and responsibly use fresh, wholesome ingredients.

As part of the celebration, the nonprofit raised over $450,000 through table sponsorships as well as from the silent auction held during the event, a press release explained. Proceeds will go toward continuing to expand Brighter Bites’ reach to under-resourced communities throughout the United States.

“From that first year when we were sifting through produce bins for ingredients to 12 years and 12 cities later with over 65 million pounds of product donated—we could not have made it this far without all the support,” added Dr. Shreela Sharma, Co-Founder of Brighter Bites.

Through its Produce Rx Program in partnership with the University of Texas Physicians, Brighter Bites plans to reach even more families with its “food is medicine” message. Alongside produce box programming that takes place at schools, Produce Rx also accesses families at the physician level with reloadable vouchers to purchase fresh produce at local grocery stores.

Cheers to this impactful organization for increasing fresh produce consumption!