Brighter Bites has partnered with Sunkist, an agricultural cooperative, to help improve the health of students and families in Bakersfield, California.
Bakersfield serves as Brighter Bites’ third location in California, following Salinas and Los Angeles. In early December, Sunkist began providing monthly donations of citrus to the Brighter Bites Bakersfield locations, providing families with weekly access to fresh produce at no cost.
“We are excited to grow our ongoing support of Brighter Bites’ mission by providing fresh, California-grown citrus to students across the community,” said Christina Ward, senior director of global marketing at Sunkist Growers.
“As Sunkist celebrates its 130th anniversary as a farmer-owned cooperative, our family of citrus growers understands the importance of nutritious and delicious foods. Through the Brighter Bites program, there are many opportunities to educate families on the health benefits of citrus and the many fun ways to snack, drink and cook with oranges, lemons and mandarins.”
Sunkist offers a robust portfolio of nearly 40 conventional, specialty and organic citrus varieties and is committed to continually striving for excellence and nurturing its citrus to the highest standards.
“I am very excited to have mandarins this week as it provides good vitamin C for my kids which is essential this time of year,” said Tiffany Reid, parent at Virginia Avenue Elementary School. “I’ve noticed other programs give canned items, but Brighter Bites always gives fresh and beautiful produce. I’ve participated every week and I’m grateful to have you guys [Brighter Bites] here.”
Since launching in 2012, Brighter Bites has distributed more than 50 million pounds of produce and has given nutrition education materials to more than 500,000 individuals through schools, after school programs and summer camps in the cities in which it serves.
To learn more about the company, visit brighterbites.org.
