86R16687 BPG-D

By: Bonnen of Brazoria H.R. No. 777

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, Lisa Helfman has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the well-being of young Texans as the founder and chair of Brighter Bites; and

WHEREAS, A nonprofit organization, Brighter Bites promotes healthy eating habits among children and their families through an evidence-based, multicomponent program in schools, preschools, and summer camps; it was created by Ms. Helfman in 2012 through a collaborative partnership between the Houston Food Bank and Dr. Shreela Sharma at The University of Texas School of Public Health; and

WHEREAS, Brighter Bites provides produce and in-class nutrition education to underserved communities in Austin, Dallas, Houston, New York, southwest Florida, and Washington, D.C.; since its inception, it has donated more than 20 million pounds of fruits and vegetables to more than 240 schools and camps; giving people healthier options encourages them to make better food choices, and 98 percent of the participants increased their consumption of fresh produce during the program season, with 74 percent maintaining the higher level following its conclusion; Brighter Bites received the 2018 Partnership for a Healthier America Impact Award and the 2016 Texas Health Champion Award; and

WHEREAS, In her professional life, Lisa Helfman is director of real estate for the H-E-B Grocery Company; previously, as director of real estate services at Texas Children's Hospital, she centralized the institution's real estate operations; she began her career as an attorney with Vinson & Elkins, representing urban redevelopment clients, nonprofits, and government entities in financing deals, real estate, and other matters; a magna cum laude graduate of the University of Houston Law Center, she earned her bachelor's degree from Tulane University; she has been named 2019 Humanitarian of the Year by the Houston-Galveston chapter of the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship; and

WHEREAS, Through her outstanding contributions, Lisa Helfman has enabled families across the country to enjoy the benefits of healthier eating, and she is indeed deserving of this special recognition; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas Legislature hereby honor Lisa Helfman for her work as founder and chair of Brighter Bites and extend to her and this noteworthy organization sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Ms. Helfman as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.