HOUSTON, TX - Brighter Bites recently received a major investment to further increase the reach of fresh produce to those in need. Walmart Foundation is propelling both nutrition and education efforts for the organization with a $1.5 million grant, expanding the programming in communities throughout the country.

“Brighter Bites is honored and grateful to be awarded this grant from the Walmart Foundation,” said Rich Dachman, Chief Executive Officer of Brighter Bites. “These funds will allow us to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to even more families around the country as we continue expansion to other cities, creating communities of health and removing barriers to access of fresh food."

Walmart’s latest grant will support Brighter Bites’ project, “Build a Better Tomorrow for Our Families,” by creating communities of health through increasing access to fresh food and nutrition education equitably across neighborhoods in participating cities.

The fresh nonprofit noted it will use the granted funds to establish new partnerships with food banks, community partners, additional local funders, and school districts through the 2023–2024 school year. These will also be utilized to hire staff and other resources necessary for expansion into other cities.

By broadening its national scope, Brighter Bites will increase the impact it currently provides among families living in neighborhoods and communities defined as “food deserts.”

“Empowering children and families to make healthier food choices is crucial in strengthening the health and wellbeing of communities,” said Eileen Hyde, Senior Director of Community Resilience, Walmart.org. “Our support of Brighter Bites over the years has helped communities across the U.S. to consume more fresh fruits and vegetables, and we’re thrilled with the impact their programs are having.”

Additional investments in technology will be made as well, including an improved data infrastructure that will enhance data collection and maintenance. Brighter Bites will extend teachers' and school administrators’ access to digital resources, which will then be applied inside the classroom and at home among families.

With a goal to impact as many children and families as possible, Brighter Bites has reported families, teachers, and administrators participating in the program receive approximately 50 servings each week of eight to twelve different produce items. This comes with nutrition education materials to help further ground healthier eating habits.

Continue reading ANUK as we spread nutrition, health, and fresh produce.

Brighter Bites Walmart.org