To create communities of health through fresh food
Brighter Bites Monterey County (BBMC) is dedicated to improving health outcomes for children and families in under-resourced communities by addressing two key barriers: limited access to nutritious food and a lack of education around healthy life skills. Serving areas including Salinas, Castroville, Soledad, Greenfield, Gonzales, Marina, and Watsonville, BBMC operates where food insecurity affects over 60% of the population.
Partnering with Pre-K through 6th grade schools - where healthy habits are still forming - our core program delivers 20 pounds of fresh produce weekly to families, alongside in-class nutrition lessons and fun food experiences that make eating well enjoyable and sustainable.
To build healthier communities, we collaborate with school districts, agricultural leaders, healthcare providers, nonprofits, and community partners. BBMC’s model includes robust data tracking and evaluation to ensure impact.
Your gift will directly support our programming—bringing fresh food, health, and hope to children across Monterey County!
Brighter Bites Monterey County (BBMC) serves families in Castroville, Greenfield, Gonzales, Salinas, Seaside, Soledad, and Watsonville. We reach 5,100 children (ages 4–11) and an estimated 22,950 individuals, including siblings, parents, and teachers. In partnership with six school districts and Head Start, BBMC delivers fresh produce, nutrition education, and culinary experiences at no cost. Families receive approximately 20 pounds of fruits and vegetables every other week during the school year and weekly during summer. Our evidence-based approach, using CATCH curriculum and mobile resources, helps families build healthy habits. Parents engage by volunteering, cooking at home, and using our app for recipes and tips. Third-party evaluation confirms sustained improvements in diet quality, cooking frequency, and food purchasing behavior. BBMC’s long-term model supports lasting health impact in low-income, majority Latino communities. Support from MCGives will directly fund this proven, place-based solution to food insecurity and childhood health disparities across Monterey County.
Brighter Bites has made a meaningful impact on our school community by providing access to fresh produce, reducing food insecurity, and promoting nutrition education that inspires healthier lifestyles for our students and families at home and school. In class our kids try fruits and vegetables, that they may never have tried before, and then we see them them going to the salad bar and enjoying fruit at lunchtime! Thank you Brighter Bites and our community volunteers, this is life changing!!
- Kristen Pantaleon, Greenfield, CA
