A New Initiative to Deliver 144,000 Pounds of Produce and Hands-On Nutrition Lessons to Bensalem Township Families

Brighter Bites, a national nonprofit focused on delivering fresh fruits and vegetables directly into families’ hands, is launching its 12th location in the Greater Philadelphia area, bringing its evidence-based model to the Bensalem Township School District beginning the week of February 3.

This expansion will directly impact close to 900 families across six schools, with the program projected to deliver roughly 144,000 pounds of produce by the end of the school year.

Through twice-monthly distributions, as well as recipe demonstrations and in-class nutrition education lessons, the initiative seeks to equip students and families with practical strategies for healthier eating habits, a goal that aligns with Brighter Bites’ mission to encourage lifelong wellness.

The effort has been made possible through funding from SNAP-Ed Pennsylvania, which supports nutrition education throughout the state, and with help from the founding partner, Sharing Excess.

Brighter Bites aims not only to distribute fresh produce but also to inspire lasting dietary changes by showing participants how to store, cook, and enjoy fruits and vegetables.

The Bensalem launch will continue each week through the remainder of the academic year, and summer programming is set to follow, ensuring a consistent supply of produce and resources that encourage balanced meals and active lifestyles even after school is out.

Brighter Bites’ model revolves around creating a community-centric approach to food access.

By partnering with local schools, it places fresh produce in the hands of those who need it most while integrating the distribution into an educational framework.

Families receive carefully selected fruits and vegetables that can be quickly incorporated into meals, boosting both nutrition and overall interest in healthy foods.

This direct approach not only reduces barriers such as cost and transportation but also bridges the gap between farmers, suppliers, and the community, enhancing awareness around how to prepare diverse foods at home.

The organization’s emphasis on education is exemplified by the cooking demos and classroom lessons it provides, which feature simple recipes designed to spark students’ interest in healthy eating habits.

Previous program locations have seen positive shifts in families’ shopping and cooking routines, including increased consumption of vegetables and fruits outside of school hours.

By reinforcing these habits through recurring deliveries and hands-on guidance, the nonprofit strives to inspire a culture in which nutritious meals become a natural part of daily life.

In Bensalem, this involves distributing produce to approximately 900 families on a regular basis, ensuring not only a reliable supply of fruits and vegetables but also the chance for families to broaden their knowledge of healthy meal preparation.

“Brighter Bites’ health and wellness lessons along with twice-monthly fresh produce distribution perfectly align with our mission in Bensalem to serve the ‘whole child’ and to support our district initiatives for staff and students’ wellbeing. This program exemplifies our district’s commitment to fostering a supportive and caring community for our children. The proven, lifelong impact on student and family outcomes reinforces our shared vision of coming together to create healthier futures for all.”

Victoria Velazquez, Assistant to the Superintendent-K-12 Administration

By working closely with district officials, volunteers, and community supporters, the nonprofit anticipates replicating its success from other regions.

Brighter Bites was founded on the principle that consistent exposure to quality fruits and vegetables, combined with engaging educational components, can substantially influence a family’s approach to meal planning.

The organization credits partnerships at both local and state levels for enabling it to serve a broad cross-section of families who might otherwise face difficulties in obtaining fresh produce.

“We are incredibly excited to launch in Greater Philadelphia and expand our reach in the Northeast. With the support of SNAP-Ed Pennsylvania and Sharing Excess, we are able to offer not just fresh produce, but the nutrition education and resources that help people live healthier lives long term.”

Rich Dachman, CEO of Brighter Bites

Moving forward, the organization plans to maintain regular deliveries in Bensalem through the end of the school year, with an eye toward summer sessions that will further strengthen the connection between fresh produce, families, and a lifestyle centered on healthier choices.

By doing so, Brighter Bites continues to advance its commitment to tackling food insecurity and poor nutrition at the local level, giving families in Greater Philadelphia the tools and knowledge they need to form sustainable habits that last well beyond the school hallways.