[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 51 (Friday, March 23, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E613]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       CELEBRATING MASTERFOODS USA GREENVILLE FACILITY EXPANSION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 22, 2007

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I would like to 
commemorate the $15 million expansion of the Masterfoods USA 
Mississippi Delta facility located in Greenville, Mississippi.
  For nearly 30 years, the Greenville facility has produced America's 
favorite branded rice, Uncle Ben's', in its many variations. 
This facility currently produces more than 100,000 tons of rice per 
year. As part of the expansion, Masterfoods USA will install state-of-
the-art processing equipment which will improve capacity to produce the 
line of Uncle Ben's' 90-second microwaveable Ready 
Rice'.
  The facility is a significant contributor to the state and local 
economy, employing approximately 200 associates and contributing 
millions of dollars in salaries and taxes. Moreover, each year, 
Masterfoods USA purchases and processes more than 156,000 tons, or $18 
million, of Delta-grown rough rice through this facility.
  Of equal importance is the commitment of Masterfoods USA and the 
Greenville facility to local community and charitable endeavors. For 
many years the company has been actively involved with the Greater 
Greenville Chamber of Commerce and many local charities including, the 
United Way, the American Heart Walk, the March of Dimes, the Salvation 
Army, the Boys and Girls Club, and America's Second Harvest. Through 
its long-standing partnership with the Mississippi Area Food Network, 
Masterfoods USA donates a large number of Uncle Ben's' 
products to regional food banks. For example, following Hurricane 
Katrina, Uncle Ben's' donated 150 tons of food to support 
relief efforts in the Gulf Region.
  Through its partnership with America's Second Harvest, the company 
recently agreed to co-sponsor the construction of a Kids Cafe at the 
local Boys and Girls Club. Kids Cafe, the most expansive child feeding 
program in the United States, provides free meals and snacks to low-
income children through a variety of existing community locations. In 
addition to providing hot meals to hungry kids, some Kids Cafe programs 
also offer a safe place, where under the supervision of trustworthy 
staff, a child can get involved in educational, recreational and social 
activities that draw on existing community programs and often include 
family members.
  I am honored that the Masterfoods USA Greenville facility is located 
within my district. I ask you, Madam Speaker, and my colleagues to join 
me in commending Masterfoods USA, and in particular, its Greenville 
facility and its officials, for their many years of service and 
commitment to the Mississippi Delta region. I look forward to 
applauding their continued growth and success for many years to come.

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