The Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank has recognized former Louisiana Rice Council President Jimmy Hoppe with its “Board Commendation,” in recognition of his dedicated support to the mission of the GRRFB.

Hoppe’s assistance “has helped stem the tide of hunger and despair in the state and has given solace to its citizens in need,” said Randy Fletcher, Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank board chairman, in presenting the award.

The Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank serves more than 120 charitable agencies in 11 parishes and distributed more than 10.8 million pounds of food in 2009.

The Louisiana rice industry has donated nearly 120,000 pounds of rice through its annual National Rice Month food bank donations.