5,670 grains of rice and counting!

Thanks to everyone who participated with us in donating time, effort and rice through FREERICE.COM! Through the posts we can see that we donated at least 5,670 grains of rice in just over 5 days! This does not include everyone who donated but did not post, so I am sure we raised even more!

This just shows what a great impact a small coordinated effort of passionate people is possible of achieving. Thanks so much again to everyone who participated and please keep giving, keep posting and keep spreading the word.

HERE ARE SOME THINGS ABOUT RICE TO KEEP IN MIND...

Consumption of rice (million metric tons) as of 2003/2004

• China:135
• India: 85
• Egypt: 39
• Us:3.9

In 2004:

• Developing countries have received 1,041 metric tons of donated rice
• Africa received 307.8 metric tons
• Asia received 692.9 metric tons
• and Latin America received 40.7 metric tons

In that same year the US donated 218 metric tons of rice to various regions.

Rice is a good source of folate and manganese.

• Folates are necessary for the production of new cells. They are especially important during stages of life such as infancy or pregnancy. They are needed to make normal red blood cells and prevent anemia.

• Manganese helps keep bones strong and healthy while also helping the body synthesize fatty acids and cholesterol. Manganese also helps maintain normal blood sugar levels.

More importantly, in the past few years rice shortages have caused the price of rice to increase exponentially. In May of 2008 rice reached 24 cents per lb., double what it was just seven months earlier. With rice being such an important part of the worlds diet now is an even greater time to give. Please continue to participate in the quest to end world hunger.