Citrus specialist commits to fruit donations with Brighter Bites as it promotes healthier eating habits among children and families
Sunkist Growers has announced the continuation of its partnership with Brighter Bites, a non-profit organisation dedicated to creating healthier communities by providing families with fresh produce and nutrition education.
Through the collaboration, Sunkist will donate premium oranges, easy-peel mandarins, and other in-season citrus to Brighter Bites programmes in Bakersfield, California.
With donations already underway, Sunkist said it was showing its commitment to providing a variety of high-quality citrus fruits to Brighter Bites distribution programmes within Bakersfield schools and community centres in the area.
The donations provide a valuable source of vitamins and nutrients to hundreds of underserved families, ensuring nutritious options throughout the school year, the group outlined.
“At Sunkist, we are passionate about delivering fresh, nutritious citrus to communities that need it most,” said Jamie Sells, vice president of sales at Sunkist Growers. “By joining forces with Brighter Bites, we’re able to directly support children and families in Bakersfield with fresh fruit access, inspiring healthy habits that can last a lifetime.”
Since its founding in 2012, Brighter Bites has expanded its reach, providing fresh produce and nutrition education to more than 1mn families across the US.
The partnership with Sunkist offers an even wider selection of fresh fruit options to the communities it serves and strengthens efforts in Bakersfield, a city where the need for fresh food and wellness education is high.
“I have been fortunate enough to work with Sunkist in a variety of ways over four decades, and they have always been amazing to work with,” said Rich Dachman, CEO of Brighter Bites.
“I am deeply grateful to see the generosity and commitment they have shown in supporting our mission to create brighter futures for kids and families in Bakersfield, California, and across the country.
”Their partnership not only helps us to provide fresh, nutritious produce to those who need it most, but it also shows how the produce industry can come together to fight food insecurity and encourage a healthier tomorrow,” he added.
Families in Bakersfield will also have a chance to participate in Brighter Bites’ nutrition education programmes, which provide hands-on guidance on how to incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables into everyday meals.
