#United States #Washington #Riviana Foods #Jars of Hope #Food Lifeline

Riviana Foods Expands Jars of Hope Initiative to Washington

Riviana Foods Inc. has officially announced the expansion of its successful RiceSelect® Jars of Hope initiative into Washington this October. Building on two years of community support in California, this third annual campaign aims to address hunger by partnering with local food banks. The initiative will not only sustain its relationship with California Food Banks but also add Food Lifeline, a Seattle-based organization, to strengthen food security efforts in Washington.

Set to run from October 1-31, 2026, the Jars of Hope campaign will provide a tangible way for consumers to contribute to the fight against hunger. For every two RiceSelect jars purchased at participating retailers, a jar of rice or grains will be donated to families in need. This year, leading grocery chains including Albertsons, Food4Less, Fred Meyer, Raley's, Ralphs, QFC, and Walmart are on board, allowing shoppers to make a difference simply by choosing RiceSelect products.

Megan Byerly, Brand Manager for RiceSelect, expresses her enthusiasm for the initiative's growth: "Over the past two years, we've seen firsthand how a simple purchase can make a meaningful difference for families facing hunger. Expanding into Washington allows us to build on that momentum and extend the program's impact to communities in the Pacific Northwest."

In California, the Jars of Hope initiative has raised nearly $250,000 in monetary and in-kind contributions, targeting the nearly nine million Californians who currently struggle with food scarcity. With 9.5% of households in Washington also facing food insecurity, the need for support is evident and rising.

California Food Banks and Food Lifeline play pivotal roles in this initiative, as they work year-round to ensure individuals and families have access to essential resources. Yulanda Smith, Vice President of External Affairs for California Food Banks, states, "Strong partnerships like this help food banks meet the growing need for shelf-stable food," showcasing the collective effort to alleviate hunger in both California and Washington.

Ken Ryals, Chief Development Officer for Food Lifeline, highlights the significance of the partnership: "This collaboration with RiceSelect will help us provide nourishing, culturally relevant food to more people facing hunger in Western Washington," reinforcing the dedication to caregiver initiatives that reach vulnerable communities.

Join the fight against hunger this October by participating in the Jars of Hope initiative. Each jar purchased not only helps feed those in need but also inspires further community involvement in addressing food insecurity issues across states. Together, we can ensure that no one goes hungry this fall.

For more information about the initiative, visit RiceSelect Jars of Hope.

About Riviana Foods Inc.

Riviana Foods is recognized as the largest processor and distributor of both branded and private label rice products across the United States. The company, headquartered in Houston, Texas, commands a diverse family of well-known brands including RiceSelect®, Minute®, and Mahatma®. Through its high-quality rice offerings, Riviana maintains stringent attention to detail and excellence in sourcing ingredients.

About California Food Banks

Founded in 1997, California Food Banks has evolved into a formidable network combating hunger, advocating for equitable access to food as a vital right. With partnerships spanning over 43 food banks and numerous community organizations, their mission is clear: to eliminate hunger through cooperation and collaborative action.

About Food Lifeline

Food Lifeline is dedicated to combating hunger in Western Washington, ensuring that individuals receive the nourishing food necessary for a healthy life. Through engaging local communities and providing essential food access, Food Lifeline continues to seek sustainable solutions to hunger statewide. In the last year, they distributed an impressive 73.1 million pounds of food to communities in need.