Our Story

100
CALORIES
PER BAG!
made with
only 2
ingredients
Enjoy
Multiple
ways

how it started

As a young mom, I wanted my boys to develop healthy eating habits, and I needed to get healthy, too. Stress from my career and parenting had me relying on diet soda and processed foods, which often made me sick.

Joining a local produce co-op changed everything. We filled the house with fresh produce, and my boys’ habits shifted—they started reaching for Swiss chard over tacos!

Then came the moment when my six-year-old, Drew, rejected birthday cake because it was “too sweet” and asked for fruit instead. That moment inspired me to bring the same transformation to underserved communities where access to fresh food was low, and childhood obesity was high.

100
CALORIES
PER BAG!
made with
only 2
ingredients
Enjoy
Multiple
ways

brighter bites begins

In 2011, I teamed up with Dr. Shreela Sharma, an expert in childhood obesity, to launch Brighter Bites, combining produce distribution, nutrition education, and fun food experiences. What started as a small idea in Houston grew into a national nonprofit across 12 different cities, delivering over 70 million pounds of produce, countless nutrition materials, and even kale smoothies to over a million people.

100
CALORIES
PER BAG!
made with
only 2
ingredients
Enjoy
Multiple
ways

the duo unites

As Brighter Bites flourished, my personal life blossomed, too. In 2019, I met Lee, a New Yorker who had recently moved to Houston. On our first date, I learned he’d spent 20 years mentoring students through Junior Achievement and always brought fresh fruit for them. I knew I’d found my kindred spirit. Our connection deepened, and in March 2023, we celebrated our love with a beautiful garden wedding surrounded by our blended family. We honeymooned in Mexico City with our boys and later in Italy, just the two of us.

100
CALORIES
PER BAG!
made with
only 2
ingredients
Enjoy
Multiple
ways

bright side is born

While in Rome, Lee tasted a homemade snack made from pineapple pulp and had a lightbulb moment: “What if we made tasty crackers from pulp? People would love it, and it could help Brighter Bites live on!” Back home, we got to work, perfecting crispy crackers with simple, sustainable ingredients. Friends and family couldn’t stop eating them!

Bright Side Crisps were born: a versatile, crunchy snack that’s perfect for breakfast on the go or a charcuterie board at dinner. Every bag supports Brighter Bites, helping families build healthier habits while enjoying a better-for-you snack.

After learning how to scale a product from our kitchen to a major grocery retailer (which wasn’t easy!), we launched on the shelves of H-E-B and our website so we could share Bright Side Crisps with you!  We hope you love them and can’t wait to hear how you Snack on the Bright Side!!

Love, Lisa & Lee