ARLINGTON, VA – Consumers across the country have another reason to be excited about National Rice Month – they can have their rice and give it too. New this year, USA Rice is partnering with P.F. Chang’s, a major user of U.S.-grown rice, to raise awareness about rice grown in the USA and to help those in need.
All month long, P.F. Chang’s and USA Rice will partner to present RiceGiving —a new program that will donate a serving of U.S.-grown rice to a local food pantry for every rice entrée ordered by P.F. Chang’s guests. Created by USA Rice and leveraging the national food bank network of Feeding America, the RiceGiving program is expected to donate as much as 100,000 pounds of U.S. rice – that’s one million servings!
“This program is a great way to raise awareness – both that a majority of the rice people eat in this country is grown by American farmers, and that the U.S. rice community is sensitive to hunger issues in America.” said John Hasbrook, USA Rice Foodservice Subcommittee chairman. “RiceGiving can make people feel good about their food decisions – when they choose U.S. rice, they are not only helping America’s family rice farmers, they are helping provide that warm, nutritious meal to someone in need.”
P.F. Chang’s will promote the RiceGiving program to their patrons both in their 210 restaurants, and online to their nearly one million social media followers and newsletter subscribers. They will also use a dedicated webpage to explain RiceGiving, featuring a two minute video provided by USA Rice.
“We are honored to invite our guests to join in this important cause by dining to donate,” said Michael Osanloo, Chief Executive Officer of P.F. Chang’s. “Thanks to our loyal customers, we will be able to help put food on the table for many American families.”
Betsy Ward, USA Rice President and CEO, is also enthusiastic about the program: "We cannot imagine a better restaurant partner for National Rice Month than P.F. Chang's. Already committed to great food and the highest quality rice, P.F. Chang's is also demonstrating its commitment to America's family rice farmers. We look forward to working together to support these farmers and those in need through our RiceGiving program."