More than 62,000 servings of rice dropped off at the nation's largest food bank in response to the COVID-19 crisis

This week Riviana Foods Inc., America’s largest processor, marketer and distributor of branded and private label rice products, delivered a donation of more than 27,000 pounds of Minute® Ready to Serve Riceto the Houston Food Bank in response to the COVID-19 crisis.

“During times of crisis we need to take care of one another. Riviana is a longtime partner of the Houston Food Bank and the services they provide are critical for keeping our most vulnerable community members healthy during this uncertain time,” said Sandra Kim, senior vice president, marketing at Riviana. “We’re fortunate enough to be able to provide a nutritious and shelf-stable product that meets the Houston Food Bank’s needs.”

The Minute Ready to Serve Rice products are individually packaged microwavable rice cups in a variety of flavors that are ready after heating for 90 seconds. The Houston Food Bank will include these individual packages in emergency food boxes provided to families in need. The donation totals more than 62,000 individual servings of rice.

“Houston Food Bank and its partners provide essential services throughout the year and also during times of emergency. The population that we serve, almost by definition, does not have reserves of food in the event of service disruptions or closures,” said Brian Greene, president/CEO of Houston Food Bank. “This generous donation from Riviana will help Houston Food Bank and our partners provide healthy food for our neighbors who won’t have resources on-hand or be able to pay for delivered food during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

In light of COVID-19 and recommendations from the CDC, the Houston Food Bank has modified its methods of distribution in order to keep its volunteers and clientele as safe as possible. The food items that the food bank is in most need right now include: proteins such as peanut butter, dry beans and canned meats; staples such as rice, pasta, jelly, pasta sauce, shelf-stable milk, cereal, soup, nutritious snacks; all types of fresh produce, canned fruit, canned vegetables, canned beans and disaster supplies. The Houston Food Bank is also seeking donations of any packaging materials, specifically, t-shirt bags (single-use grocery bags) or banana boxes (or size/shape equivalent).

To make a donation or learn about volunteer opportunities, visit Houstonfoodbank.org.

Houston families and individuals in need of assistance should visit: https://www.houstonfoodbank.org/covid19.

About Riviana Foods Inc.

Riviana Foods Inc. is North America’s largest processor, marketer and distributor of branded and private label rice products and its second largest pasta manufacturer. The Riviana family of well-known brands includes Minute®, Mahatma®, Success®, Carolina®, Comet®, Adolphus®, Blue Ribbon®, RiceSelect®, Gourmet House®, Ronzoni®, Creamette®, Skinner®, San Giorgio®, Prince®, Catelli®, American Beauty®, No Yolks®, Wacky Mac®and Light & Fluffy®. Learn more at Riviana.com.

About Houston Food Bank

Houston Food Bank’s mission is to provide food for better lives. Last year we provided access to 104 million nutritious meals in 18 counties in southeast Texas through our 1,500 community partners which includes food pantries, soup kitchens, social service providers and schools. We have a strong focus on healthy foods and fresh produce. In addition to distributing food, we provide services and connections to programs that address the root causes of hunger and are aimed at helping families achieve long-term stability, including nutrition education, job training, health management and help with securing state-funded assistance. We are a resource for individuals and families in times of hardship. We are a solution to food waste, working with grocery stores and growers to rescue food before it reaches landfills. In collaboration with our community, we advocate for policy change and promote dialogue on ways to increase access to food and to improve the lives of those we serve. Houston Food Bank works alongside our partner food banks in Montgomery County, Galveston Country, and Brazos Valley. Houston Food Bank is a certified member of Feeding America, the nation’s food bank network, with a four-star rating from Charity Navigator. Visit us online. Website: houstonfoodbank.org; Facebook: www.facebook.com/thehoustonfoodbank; Twitter: @houstonfoodbank; Instagram: @houstonfoodbank; Youtube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/houstonfoodbank