Arkansas Rice Industry Makes Donation in Honor of Rice Month

LITTLE ROCK, AR – In an annual tradition honoring September National Rice Month, the Arkansas rice industry has donated 153,500 pounds of rice to the Arkansas Foodbank.  The donation from seven mills will provide more than 1.5 million servings of rice to help feed families, children, and seniors all across the state.  

Participating rice mills are Windmill Rice Company and Anheuser-Busch of Jonesboro, Riceland Foods, Inc. and Producers Rice Mill of Stuttgart, Riviana Foods of Carlisle, Ralston Family Farms of Atkins, and Specialty Rice, Inc. of Brinkley.
 
"As we celebrate National Rice Month and what our industry means to this state, we also are working very hard to give back to our communities and give back to hungry Arkansans," said Arkansas Rice Council President Dow Brantley.  "We take great pride in our partnership with the Arkansas Foodbank and appreciate their efforts throughout the state."

September is also Hunger Action Month so this rice donation will also be included in weekend backpacks for children, food boxes for home-bound seniors, and to fill the shelves at food pantries for families in need.

"For so many Arkansans, rice is an important staple item on their dinner table," said Arkansas Foodbank CEO Rhonda Sanders.  "The number of Arkansans facing hunger has increased drastically this past year due to COVID-19.  The Arkansas Foodbank, along with the other Feeding America foodbanks in Arkansas, works diligently to meet the need, and we appreciate the continued support of our rice community to help us provide families with nutritious food."