Arkansas Rice Industry Donates More Than 28,000 Pounds of Rice to Food Bank

LITTLE ROCK, AR, September 20, 2007 — The Arkansas rice industry donated more than 28,000 pounds of rice this week to the Arkansas Rice Depot, which helps feed needy families in Arkansas. The donation, made by rice farmers and millers in honor of National Rice Month, will provide healthy and nutritious food for hungry families. The rice was donated by Cormier Rice Milling, DeWitt; Producers Rice Mill, Stuttgart; Riceland Foods, Stuttgart; Specialty Rice, Inc., Brinkley; and Riviana Foods, Carlisle.

The Arkansas Rice Council, along with the Miss Arkansas Rice county winners, presented the rice to Arkansas Rice Depot President and CEO Laura Rhea.

The Arkansas Rice Depot is a statewide food bank that works with 600 Arkansas hunger programs, including food pantries, school food programs, disaster relief and a statewide hunger hotline. Last year it distributed more than five million pounds of food to 73,630 needy Arkansas families.

“Arkansas rice farmers and millers are going through difficult economic times right now, but they are glad give back to the community and help those in need,” Arkansas Rice Council VP Steve Orlicek said.

The Arkansas Rice Depot is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year,” Rhea said. “In that time, we have evolved into a statewide organization helping families across Arkansas —and it’s all thanks to rice growers.”

Arkansas is the nation’s largest rice-growing state, producing nearly nine billion pounds annually.

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: Steve Orlicek, Vice President, Arkansas Rice Council and Laura Rhea, President and CEO of Arkansas Rice Depot.