Louisiana Rice Industry Donates 12,000 Pounds of Rice to Food Bank

BATON ROUGE, LA, September 19, 2007 — The Louisiana rice industry donated 12,000 pounds of rice this week to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank, which helps feed needy families in parishes surrounding the state’s capital. The donation, made in honor of National Rice Month, will provide nearly 144,000 one-half-cup servings of healthy and nutritious rice for hungry families. Rice mills participating in the donation included Louisiana Rice Mill and Falcon Rice Mill, both of Crowley, Planters Rice Mill of Abbeville, Farmers Rice Mill of Lake Charles and Riviana Foods of Houston, TX.

The Louisiana Rice Council and the Louisiana Rice Promotion Board, representing rice growers and millers, presented the rice to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank’s Executive Director, Michael Manning and Food Procurement Coordinator, Amy Sellers.

“We have enjoyed our relationship with the Louisiana rice industry and look forward to their gracious donation each September during National Rice Month,” Manning said. “Rice is a staple of most Louisianans and this donation will be well received.”

The Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank, a regional food bank, coordinates with over 100 agencies to feed 7,700 people per day in eleven parishes. Last year the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank distributed over 10.6 million pounds of food to those in need.

“In spite of rising input costs resulting in the most expensive crop our growers have ever raised, Louisiana growers are giving folks who are proud to share their commodity with their neighbors,” Louisiana Rice Promotion Board Chairman Kevin Berken said.

National Rice Month, initiated by an act of Congress in 1991, helps to increase awareness of rice and recognition of the contribution the U.S. rice industry makes to America’s economy. The Louisiana rice industry is a major contributor to the state’s economy with an annual economic impact approaching $700 million.

Sponsored by the USA Rice Federation, National Rice Month is now in its 17th year.

USA Rice Federation is the global advocate for all segments of the U.S. rice industry with a mission to promote and protect the interests of producers, millers, merchants and allied businesses.

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From left: Louisiana Rice Council President, Jimmy Hoppe; Louisiana Rice Promotion Board Chairman, Kevin Berken; USA Rice staff, Mary and Randy Jemison; and Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank staff, Amy Sellers and Michel Manning.