America has been celebrating the contributions of the U.S. rice industry for 19 years through the National Rice Month program sponsored by the USA Rice Federation.

With this year's celebration of National Rice Month, there's a new reason for consumers to be excited when they participate in the Rice to the Rescue Sweepstakes. Log on to www.usarice.com/ricetotherescue to enter best budget-stretching meal tips for a chance to win prizes.

The first-place winner will receive $500 in groceries; second and third place will receive $250 and $150 in groceries, and seven runners-up will get Aroma rice cookers. Several USA Rice retailer partners also will conduct exclusive Rice to the Rescue Sweepstakes contests for their customers. Winning ideas will be featured in a press release and on usarice.com.