CLEVELAND, MS – This week, USA Rice partnered with Delta State University (DSU) to celebrate U.S.-grown rice on campus with the university’s student body. USA Rice teamed up with DSU Dining Services to showcase a range of domestic rice varieties through different rice-based recipes offered in the dining hall. Students also learned about Mississippi-grown rice and the U.S.-grown difference directly from staff posted at a strategically placed, balloon-bedecked information booth on campus promising “fun food.”
At the USA Rice booth, staff shared key messages around nutrition, sustainability, rice’s role across global cuisines, and how it is a “must have” ingredient for any pantry. Students were exposed to different domestic rice brands and received 1-pound bags of long grain, while learning how U.S. rice compliments a budget-friendly, balanced meal plan suitable for campus life. Branded giveaways were available including rice stickers, kitchen conversion magnets, the How To Build a Better Bowl brochure, and measuring cups.
In the dining hall, students sampled U.S.-grown Calrose, jasmine, and long grain rices. The Calrose was used to make Delta Rice Pudding and Crispy Rice Topper for the salad bar. The long grain was a key ingredient for Stuffed Bell Peppers and Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole, and the jasmine was featured in an Asian-influenced Rainbow Rice Bowl.
Past USA Rice Chair, Mississippi rice farmer, and DSU alum, Kirk Satterfield made an appearance at the event where he put a face on the Mississippi rice industry for students, had a photo opportunity with the University’s famous Fighting Okra mascot, and met with DSU President Daniel J. Ennis.
“On-campus events are an excellent opportunity to educate young consumers, and as an alumnus and a rice farmer from up the road, I was double proud,” said Satterfield. “The team introduced students to new rice varieties, helped foster that connection to local agriculture, and reinforced a sense of brand loyalty for U.S. rice. A great event, a great school, and I was happy to be a part of it!”
In addition to promoting the U.S.-grown difference directly to college students and campus staff, USA Rice also made a donation to the school’s food pantry.
“Kudos to the DSU Dining Services team for their passion for U.S.-grown rice and a big thank you to Producers Rice for their donation of rice that fueled the event and Kirk Satterfield for his participation on-campus,” said Cameron Jacobs, USA Rice vice president of domestic promotion who coordinated the event. “This was another great example of the U.S.-grown difference."