42�NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2025 ABASTO.COM AGRICULTURAL FOCUS By Abasto B righter Bites, a nonproft organiza- tion that distributes fresh produce and nutrition education to families, held its frst event in Bakersfeld with the support of Grim- mway Farms as a presen- ting partner. Te gathering brought together more than 100 guests and raised $85,000 to strengthen eforts against food insecurity in Kern County, California. Te Community Unites Around Fresh Food Te event highlighted the local and national part- nerships that drive Brigh- ter Bites’ work. Leaders in agriculture, health, and education came together to discuss solutions that build healthier futures through access to food. “Tis event is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when the commu- nity and the agricultural in- dustry come together,” said Rich Dachman, executive director of Brighter Bites. “Every contribution helps us deliver nutritious food to the children who need it most. It’s not just about food, it’s about giving them the foundation to grow, learn, and thrive.” FOOD INSECURITY AMID AGRICULTURAL ABUNDANCE Although Kern County is one of the nation’s leading agricultural producers, one in fve children faces food insecurity, which afects their learning and health. Brighter Bites launched its program in Bakersfeld in April 2022 to respond to this urgent problem. Te organization distribu- tes 20 pounds of fresh pro- duce each week to families in underserved elementary schools. It also provides nu- trition education that encou- rages healthier habits. Currently, the program in Bakersfeld reaches more than 5,000 children, fa- milies, and teachers in six schools. LOCAL LEADERS SUPPORT THE INITIATIVE Community ofcials prai- sed Brighter Bites’ impact on expanding access to food and education. José Quintero, director of the Fairfax School Dis- trict Community Resource Center, highlighted the im- portance of the program. “Te Brighter Bites initia- tive is the perfect addition to the Community Resour- ce Center,” Quintero said. “Families can access fresh produce while participating in English classes, mobile health clinics, nutrition edu- cation, and more to support our community better.” PARTNERSHIPS THAT STRENGTHEN EXPANSION Health systems, farmers, foundations, and local bu- sinesses have supported Brighter Bites’ growth. Grimmway Farms, a pre- senting partner, undersco- red the importance of wor- king together against food insecurity. “We are thrilled to see such support for Brighter Bites in Kern County,” said Dana Brennan, vice presi- dent of Grimmway Farms. “Food insecurity is a real challenge in our commu- nity, and Brighter Bites ofers a proven solution: delivering fresh produce, nutrition education, and a healthier future for local families.” A PROVEN MODEL Brighter Bites operates under a three-component model: weekly distribution of fruits and vegetables, hands-on nutrition educa- tion, and exposure to reci- pes that promote healthier choices. The goal is to pre- vent obesity and promote long-term wellness in chil- dren and families. Since its founding in 2012, has distributed more than 65 million pounds of fresh produce and millions of nu- trition education materials. Today, it serves more than one million people, inclu- ding teachers, in 13 markets across the United States. Its reach includes Austin, Dallas, Houston, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Diego, San Antonio, Was- hington, D.C., and Bakers- field. For Brighter Bites, the celebration in Bakersfield was not only about raising funds but also about stren- gthening community en- gagement. Dachman em- phasized the importance of local support in maintai- ning momentum. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who supported this event and joined our mission,” Da- chman said. “Together, we can create healthier futures for children in Bakersfield and beyond.” The Agricultural Sector Supports the Fight Against Food Insecurity