RIVERSIDE, Calif. — RiceSelect®, a brand of Riviana Foods Inc., has concluded its second annual “Jars of Hope” initiative, delivering $120,000 in in‑kind and monetary contributions to the California Association of Food Banks (CAFB), according to the company’s announcement. The campaign, run in partnership with CAFB, aims to support families across California facing food insecurity.
The initiative included the presentation of $13,500 in monetary donations along with more than 11,300 RiceSelect jars, further strengthening the brand’s commitment to addressing hunger in local communities. Riviana Foods, described as America’s leading rice manufacturer, emphasized the significance of continuing the program for a second consecutive year.
Megan Byerly, RiceSelect Brand Manager, joined CAFB CEO Stacia Levenfeld to highlight the program’s tangible impact on families in need. While full remarks were not provided in available reporting, the act of personally delivering both funds and thousands of product jars underscored a shared priority: meeting people where they are and ensuring dignity through nourishment.
Heartitude Founder Bruce Petillo said the initiative reflects the kind of human‑centered leadership that inspires the Heartitude community. “The simple act of filling a jar with food—and giving it freely—reminds us that compassion is not complicated,” Petillo said. “RiceSelect’s partnership with CAFB shows how organizations can lead with heart and honor the humanity of every person they serve.”
The “Jars of Hope” initiative aligns with Heartitude’s belief that kindness and empathy are most powerful when translated into consistent, meaningful action. As hunger continues to challenge families across the state, efforts like these demonstrate how corporate partnerships can expand support networks and elevate the well‑being of entire communities.