SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - In California, one in four households with children are estimated to be food insecure — that’s more than 1 million households with children that have unreliable access to adequate food.

The data, recently released by the California Association of Food Banks, reveals that food insecurity today is similar to that seen in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Right here in Sacramento County, 28% – more than 448,000 people – are at risk of hunger.

Through the “Jars of Hope” initiative, two organizations are joining forces to help reduce that number. Riviana Foods Inc. (“Riviana”), America’s leading rice company, and the California Association of Food Banks (CAFB) are teaming up to provide crucial funds to food banks across California.

As families start their holiday food shopping, Walmart, Ralphs, Food 4 Less, and Foods Co, stores have made it easy for Sacramentans to help their neighbors in need. Starting this week, Riviana will donate $1 to the California Association of Food Banks for every RiceSelect® jar sold at participating stores between Oct. 14 and Nov. 10. In addition, Riviana will donate rice to California food banks.

Money raised through the “Jars of Hope” campaign will support the California Association of Food Banks’ Farm to Family program and the organization’s mission to end hunger. Last year, the California Association of Food Banks’ Farm to Family program delivered more than 250 million pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to food banks, providing quality and nutritious food to communities while reducing food waste. This food helps support Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, along with 40 partner food banks in the California Association of Food Banks, who collectively serve more than 6 million Californians each month.