In 1984, John T. “Jack” Garrett, Sr. “Pappy” began donating one truck load of rice per year. Industry vendors were approached to donate and other growers were challenged to contribute as well which led to the establishment of Share the Harvest Foundation (STHF) in 1999. Share the Harvest has been helping to feed families in eighteen counties in Southeast Texas by providing rice to the Houston Food Bank. Although Southeast Texas is the primary focus, when supply has allowed, Share the Harvest has extended its reach to south Texas and the San Antonio Food Bank as well. Through the Share the Harvest Foundation, the Houston Food Bank has been able to distribute enough rice to provide more than 11 million servings each year.
Hunger is prevalent in Southeast Texas with approximately 900,000 individuals in need of assistance with food, 47% of which are children. Rice is a nutritious food and a staple in most diets and this grant will make a difference in the lives of families across the Southeast Texas who otherwise may go hungry.
In previous years, the rice was grown on the Texas Gulf Coast (Brazoria County) and many factions of the rice industry have contributed to the success of this program by sharing their time, labor, land, equipment, milling services and much more to make it possible for Share the Harvest to supply 750,000 – 1 million pounds of rice annually to the Houston Food Bank. The cost of one acre is estimated at $1,250. We continue to seek out help in other rice producing areas for rice production as well as in-kind contributions so we will be able to meet the needs of the Houston Food Bank.
Contact our office for more information.