MONTEREY COUNTY, CA - Brighter Bites, a nonprofit organization that delivers fresh fruits and vegetables alongside nutrition education to families, is partnering with the Central Coast YMCA this summer to help increase access to healthy food for children and families across Monterey County and Santa Cruz County.

Through this partnership, Brighter Bites and the Central Coast YMCA will host free summer produce box distributions open to the public at two YMCA locations: the Monterey Peninsula YMCA and the Watsonville Family YMCA. Families will receive boxes of fresh produce along with nutrition resources designed to support healthy habits at home during the summer months, when many children lose access to school-based meals.

"Summer can be one of the most challenging times for families trying to put healthy food on the table," said Rich Dachman, CEO of Brighter Bites, in the recent release. "We're grateful to partner with the Central Coast YMCA to meet families where they are and provide not only fresh produce, but also the tools and support that help healthy habits take root and grow.”

The organizations will also come together for a special one-day community event in Salinas tied to the Sysco Carrier Summit. During the summit, exhibitors and partners will  donate and pack fresh produce into family-sized bags, which will then be distributed to local families at the Salinas Family YMCA.

“At the Central Coast YMCA, we know that building healthy communities begins with ensuring that children and families have access to nutritious food and the knowledge to make healthy choices. Food insecurity continues to impact far too many families throughout Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz counties, creating barriers to health, learning, and overall well-being,” said Amy Grames, President and CEO, Central Coast YMCA. “The YMCA has long been committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. We are proud to partner with organizations like Brighter Bites that share our vision of ensuring every child and family has the opportunity to thrive. Together, we are creating meaningful pathways to better health, stronger families, and a brighter future for the communities we serve."

Brighter Bites currently serves families across the country through a three-part model that combines fresh food distributions, nutrition education, and engaging food experiences to help children and families build healthier lifestyles. Research conducted by the UTHealth Houston School of Public Health has found that participation in Brighter Bites is associated with increased fruit and vegetable consumption, improved food security, and healthier family eating habits.