BHP Billiton Donates $150,000 To Arkansas Rice Depot

Arkansas Rice Depot announced today that BHP Billiton has donated $150,000 to the Food for Kids program.

Beginning this year, the donation will be distributed in three payments of $50,000 to aid students who need food assistance in Cleburne, Conway, Faulkner, Van Buren and White counties, said Danny Games, a spokesman for BHP Billiton.

Arkansas Rice Depot said it feeds about 400,000 Arkansans annually including providing food for more than 35,000 children in more than 650 schools through the Food for Kids program.

The nonprofit said during this year’s summer months donations have decreased and needs have increased.

Kimberly Aaron, Arkansas Rice Depot president and CEO, said that while donations of nonperishable food items are appreciated, monetary contributions allow the charity greater flexibility.

“The BHP Billiton donation and any other monetary donations allow us to put that money directly where we need it most,” Aaron said. “Many people would be surprised by how much we can do with a donation of just $30. For that amount, we can feed a child for a month. For $65, we can fuel one Food for Kids delivery van for a day. For $360, we can feed a child for an entire year.”

Aaron also noted that 98% of the nonprofit’s budget goes toward purchasing and distributing food for the needy.