Who is Rice Bowls?

Have you ever heard the name Rice Bowls and wondered, "What exactly do they do?" 

At first glance, you might think we're a ministry that sends rice packages overseas. Or maybe you picture food boxes, soup kitchens, or traditional child sponsorship programs.

But we are a little different.

Rice Bowls is a faith-based nonprofit that exists to provide food for orphaned and vulnerable children around the world in the name of Christ. Since 1980, we have worked to ensure that children living in faith-based children's homes have consistent access to nutritious meals every day. Today, we partner with 64 children's homes in 9 countries and provide 100% of the food budget for the children in their care with locally sourced produce from their own local communities.

It Started With One Simple Idea

More than 40 years ago, Dr. Alastair Walker traveled to developing countries and witnessed the devastating effects of hunger firsthand. He returned home convinced that ordinary people could make an extraordinary difference if they were given a simple way to help.

That's where the iconic Rice Bowls plastic piggy bank was born.

The little plastic bowl, still used today, was designed to help families, churches, schools, and community groups collect spare change to feed hungry children. Because rice is a dietary staple for much of the world, the bowl became a reminder of those facing hunger and a practical tool for people who wanted to help.

Decades later, the concept remains beautifully simple: small acts of generosity can change lives.

Why Food?

At Rice Bowls, we believe that healthy food is often the first step toward changing a child's life. When children consistently receive nutritious meals, they are better equipped to learn, grow, play, and thrive. More importantly, when a children's home's food budget is covered, caregivers can focus on nurturing, protecting, instructing, and loving the children in their care. We don't just provide temporary relief. We build long-term partnerships with children's homes so they can confidently care for the children God has entrusted to them.

Why Children's Homes?

Rice Bowls believes that every child deserves four basic necessities: provision, protection, instruction, and affection. We have seen firsthand how loving, faith-based children's homes can provide those essentials and help children flourish.

By covering food costs, we help create an environment where children can receive education, discipleship, counseling, mentorship, and loving care from committed caregivers.

The goal is not simply to feed children today. The goal is to help children build brighter futures.

There's a Place for You Here

Whether you're discovering Rice Bowls for the first time or you've been part of this mission for years, we're glad you're here - welcome to Rice Bowls!