Rice farmer John Owen presents annual food bank donation
Sep 30, 2019
LAKE CHARLES, LA -- September is National Rice Month, so it goes without saying, it’s been a busy month for Louisiana’s rice industry, with food bank donations to honor End Hunger Month along with annual cooking competitions all made possible by “Certified LA” milled rice.
Last Tuesday, staff from Falcon Rice Mill and Supreme Rice Mill of Crowley, and Farmers Rice Mill of Lake Charles, joined fellow Louisiana rice growers and friends of the rice industry at Crowley City Hall to present Second Harvest with a generous donation of rice for their food bank’s distribution. Crowley Mayor Tim Monceaux presented a proclamation recognizing September as National Rice Month, and Congressman Ralph Abraham commented on the value and importance of the state’s rice industry, and its contributions to Louisiana agriculture and the economy of the state.
On Wednesday, the Cal-Cam Rice Growers Association and the Port of Lake Charles held their annual Rice Cook-Off contest, with area high school students participating for top prizes in four categories: main dish, casserole, dessert, and heart healthy. All cook-off participants received new rice cookers donated by Farmers Rice Mill.
On Thursday, a second food bank donation was celebrated in Monroe, as Kennedy Rice Mill, the Kennedy family, and the Northeast Louisiana Rice Growers Association, made the donation to the North East Louisiana (NELA) Food Bank. State Representative Bubba Chaney presented the proclamation of September as Louisiana Rice Month, and the group took a tour of the NELA Food Bank warehouse to learn more about their operation in assisting those in need in their area.
As Louisiana rice farmer and Chair of the Louisiana Rice Promotion Board John Owen said, “Rice is unique as a food bank donation because it has such a long shelf life, it’s very nutritious, and everybody likes it!”
Recognizing rice as an integral part of Louisiana’s agricultural industry, and major contributor to the economy of the state, will not end with the close of September. The 83rd International Rice Festival, held annually in Crowley is on the horizon, and the celebration of Louisiana’s rice industry will continue throughout this fall.