#United States #Washington, D.C. #Nutrition Education #Brighter Bites #Dohmen Company Foundation

Brighter Bites 2.0: A New Era for Nutrition and Health

Brighter Bites, a well-respected national nonprofit organization focused on improving the health and well-being of families and children, has unveiled its latest initiative, Brighter Bites 2.0, aimed at making healthy food and nutrition education accessible to more families across the United States. This revamped approach is made possible through the generous support of the Dohmen Company Foundation, known for its commitment to advancing healthier food systems.

The New Model

Brighter Bites 2.0 builds on the organization’s successful three-part formula that encompasses produce distributions, nutrition education, and enjoyable food experiences. The innovation here is a shift towards a purchased-produce model, which allows for increased scalability and ease of access to fresh food and educational resources. Central to this initiative is a preassembled produce box that offers high-quality fruits and vegetables, accessible for delivery in various settings nationwide.

Each box not only contains delightful fruits and vegetables, but also includes kid-friendly recipes and evidence-based nutrition education materials that engage the entire family. This holistic approach facilitates the establishment of healthy eating, cooking, and shopping habits among families, ultimately fostering better health outcomes for generations to come.

Dr. Shreela Sharma, Co-Founder of Brighter Bites, expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership with the Dohmen Company Foundation, stating, "This transformative model ensures that children everywhere can have steady access to nutritious foods while also learning about the health impacts of their dietary choices. This initiative is paving the way for lifelong healthy habits."

The Impact of Partnership

Rachel Roller, President and CEO of the Dohmen Company Foundation, emphasizes the significance of this collaboration, noting that food is a critical tool for health improvement. She remarked, "Our partnership with Brighter Bites aligns with our mission to amplify access to nutritious food and equip families with the necessary knowledge and resources to achieve healthier lifestyles. Together, we are committed to creating sustainable, food-based solutions that prevent diet-related diseases for future generations."

Official Launch and Immediate Impact

The official announcement of Brighter Bites 2.0 occurred on October 28 at Wheatley Education Campus in Washington, D.C. During the event, attendees witnessed a live unboxing of the new Food + Education box and enjoyed demonstrations of nutritious recipes designed for families to recreate at their homes. The firsthand experience showcased an engaging way to inspire families to cook healthily and learn about nutrition.

In addition to its launch at Wheatley Education Campus, the Brighter Bites 2.0 model is currently being piloted at Miner Elementary School in Washington, D.C., along with six additional schools located in Prince George's County, Maryland. The insights and experiences gained from these initial implementations will guide the further expansion of the program across various communities nationwide.

About Brighter Bites

Established in 2012, Brighter Bites has dedicated itself to the mission of fostering communities of health through access to fresh food. The organization aims to change health behaviors among children and their families to counteract obesity and promote long-term wellness. Through its various programs, Brighter Bites has successfully delivered over 75 million pounds of produce and countless nutrition education materials to more than one million individuals, enhancing the health prospects of diverse communities, including those in Austin, Dallas, Houston, New York City, and now the Washington, D.C. area.

For more information about the Brighter Bites program in Washington, D.C., visit their official website, www.brighterbites.org/location/washingtondc. You can also keep up with the organization through their social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.

About the Dohmen Company Foundation

With a rich history spanning over 165 years in the healthcare sector, the Dohmen Foundation merges business acumen with philanthropic efforts to effect change in food systems and public health. Having transitioned from a family-owned business to a private foundation after exiting the life sciences industry in 2018, their mission focuses on eliminating diet-related diseases through impactful investments, effective grant-making, and raising awareness about the growing health challenges related to nutrition.

For those interested in this transformative approach to nutrition and its overarching impact on community health, there’s much to look forward to as Brighter Bites continues to expand its reach and influence nationally.