May 16, 2018
WASHINGTON, DC – More than 150 food and ag people representing trade associations, hunger relief organizations, and the House and Senate Agriculture Committees, worked the line yesterday at the 3rd Annual Kraft Heinz Rise Against Hunger meal packaging event. The packaged meals consisted of rice, and a rice and soy blend mixture fortified with Kraft Heinz Micronutrient Sprinkles.
The overall goal of the partnership between Kraft Heinz and Rise Against Hunger is to pack one billion meals in 2018 as the international organization works to distribute food aid to end world hunger by 2030. In support of this goal Kraft Heinz gave a $2.5 million dollar donation to procure food for the packs, including six tons of U.S.-grown long grain rice.
While the initial goal of the day was 15,000 meals, in the end more than 20,000 meals were measured, sealed, and packed for shipment, destined for school feeding programs in Mozambique.
The Ambassador of Mozambique was in attendance to thank the participants and sponsors for their support. Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS), chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, gave remarks at the beginning of the event emphasizing his support for food aid programs and said he is working to make sure the new Farm Bill helps to feed 800 million people around the world who go to bed hungry.
Rice is an excellent tool in the fight against hunger for its long, stable shelf life, virtually complete global acceptance, and its ability to effectively deliver vital micronutrients through a variety of methods.
“The reach of U.S. rice is felt worldwide, providing healthy meals to some of the most vulnerable populations,” said USA Rice Manager of International Promotion Asiha Grigsby, who participated. “USA Rice has a long commitment to food aid through our work with the federal government’s food assistance programs, and we are proud to do our part in the fight to end world hunger.”