Brighter Bites Reveals New Partnerships with Lipman Family Farms and Harry Chapin Food Bank; Mike Pomeroy, Jaime Weisinger, and Richard LeBer Discuss
NAPLES, FL - Strengthening its ranks of industry partners as it carries out its mission to provide fresh produce to families, Brighter Bites has announced two new partnerships with Harry Chapin Food Bank and Lipman Family Farms. Together, the trio will work to ensure that families in Southwest Florida will continue to receive fresh fruits and vegetables as they overcome the impacts made on their communities due to the pandemic.
“Brighter Bites is so grateful to Harry Chapin Food Bank and to Lipman Family Farms for their support during this unusual school year,” said Brighter Bites Senior Program Director Mike Pomeroy. “Both organizations stepped up to help as soon as the pandemic crisis hit in 2020, providing produce donations and volunteer assistance. This assistance proved to be essential as we continued to serve families at our six elementary schools in Florida.”
Starting at the beginning of the 2021 semester, the partners increased the number of families served to more than 930, resulting in over 266,000 pounds of fresh produce distributed, according to a press release.
In total, 10,477 boxes containing Brussels sprouts, asparagus, eggplant, green beans, apples, oranges, and other items were delivered to students, their families, and their teachers. Additionally, other nutrition education materials were also distributed along with in-class lessons being conducted on a regular basis at schools.
“We are pleased to be a part of these great initiatives launched by Brighter Bites in the Immokalee/Naples area,” commented Jaime Weisinger, Director of Community Relations and Government Relations at Lipman Family Farms. “We value our incredible partnerships with Brighter Bites and Harry Chapin Food Bank, and we look forward to making an even greater impact in the coming years.”
To help with this expansion of services, Harry Chapin Food Bank and Lipman Family Farms both provided volunteer support with produce sorting, packing, and box distribution, in addition to monetary and product donations. Through the two organizations’ support, Brighter Bites was able to provide crucial help to those in need during the pandemic.
“It was a true collaboration as our organization, Brighter Bites ,and Lipman Family Farms worked to meet the needs of the community in Southwest Florida during the 2020-2021 school year,” added Harry Chapin Food Bank President and CEO, Richard LeBer.
Brighter Bites is based in Houston, Texas, and currently works with families in more than 120 school districts across seven cities, with each family receiving approximately 25 pounds of fresh, seasonal produce and nutrition education weekly.
Cheers to Brighter Bites, Lipman Family Farms, and Harry Chapin Food Bank as they continue to make a difference not only in the fresh produce industry, but local communities as well!
