Rice is Center of the Plate at Mississippi Lunch

CLEVELAND, MS – Last Friday, Delta Rice Promotions, Inc. sponsored the 26th Annual Rice Tasting Luncheon here in honor of National Rice Month (NRM).  More than 300 rice dishes, prepared by community members and local restaurants, were donated for the lunch, and more than 800 people from across Mississippi and beyond joined the festivities to support local agriculture and visit a variety of educational exhibits.

“The NRM luncheon is a way for us to thank our rice farmers and all those who contribute to the rice industry, while also bringing awareness to this locally-grown grain,” said Laura Giaccaglia, Bolivar County Extension Coordinator, who is responsible for producing the annual event along with Delta Rice Promotions President Candy Davis.  “We hope people who came enjoyed the wonderful rice dishes and left understanding the importance of supporting Mississippi rice farmers by purchasing local rice at the grocery store and while dining out.”
 
USA Rice participated in the event as an exhibitor and provided attendees with rice information, recipes, and NRM promotional gifts.  

“National Rice Month is all about celebrating harvest and supporting U.S. rice farmers,” said Katie Maher, USA Rice director of domestic promotion.  “We look forward to the tasting luncheon each year because it allows us to educate the public about rice production and also enjoy delicious rice dishes.  One attendee even commented that she wasn’t aware rice could be prepared in so many different ways.”