Quick Facts about Arkansas Rice Depot
- The Arkansas Rice Depot was formed in 1982 to combat hunger in Arkansas
- The Rice Depot distributes over 8 million pounds of food and supplies a year
- At the end of 2010, the Rice Depot fed over 15% of the entire population of the state
- With a small staff, more than 98% of budget is spent on purchasing and distributing food to people living in poverty
- Serves 900 hunger relief programs in the state – the only faith based, statewide food bank network
- Arkansas Rice Depot’s mission is to find Sensible Solutions to Hunger in Arkansas
Arkansas Poverty Facts
- 18% of population live below the Federal Poverty Average
- The 4th poorest state, 503,000 Arkansans live in poverty. 25% of those living in poverty are children.
- In fact, Arkansas has more hungry children than any other state in America.
- The average income of a Food For Seniors recipient is $79/month, after rent and utilities are paid
Dear Arkansas Rice Depot friends,
The holidays are a busy time for us. It's that special time of the year when loved ones gather 'round the table, time and again, to feast and give thanks. So many of us, with our warm bed, loving family and full belly can easily look around and say "I love this time of year!" I know I always feel just a little more blessed than usual right now.
But for each one of us, there is someone out there, living in their car until they can get back on their feet, hungry and worried how they'll manage to feed their family, much less provide a single toy for their beautiful children. For each of our own children or grandchildren, there's a hungry child, toting home from school a backpack full of food from Arkansas Rice Depot. And there's a senior citizen, shivering in the cold because she made the choice of buying food over electricity this season.
As you and your family prepare for Christmas this year, I ask that you give hope to just one of the thousands of families who will receive food from Arkansas Rice Depot this holiday season...this refreshing season, when Jesus Christ our Lord came to live among us, teach us and bring us the gift of eternal life. What an amazing gift God gave us all then, and continues to give us each Christmas!
Your generous support of Arkansas Rice Depot this year has helped us feed thousands of hungry children, families, seniors and victims of disasters. Thank you!
I humbly ask that once again, you look around at the many blessings God has provided you, and give a little more. Because you can. Because you know there's a neighbor out there, who needs your help. Help us share your blessings with them.
Thank you for your generosity,
Ron Proleika
Chairman of the Board
Nonprofit of the Year!
On February 22nd Arkansas Rice Depot was named 2010 Nonprofit of the Year by Arkansas Business. Thanks to all our volunteers and supporters! Check out Laura's acceptance speech.
Thank You Rice Industry!
In September 2011, rice industry representatives presented more than 40,000 pounds of rice to Arkansas Rice Depot to help feed the hungry in our state. Check out our special video where we say "thank you" to all the rice growers and mills for their continued support of our mission to end hunger in Arkansas.
Our 2011 honorees are:
Attorney General Dustin McDaniel - Allison Stroud Humanitarian of the Year
Arvest Bank - Outstanding Corporate Citizen
Kye Masino - Volunteer of the Year
Sponsors include: Unilever Skippy, Farm Bureau, Riceland Foods, United Methodist Foundation, Erwin & Co. and Cardinal Health.
