The Faces Behind the Foundation: A Conversation with Austin Brown, Executive Director of the Riceland Foods Foundation and Director of Sustainability.

While Austin's history with the Riceland Foods Foundation only began last July, his commitment to understanding its origins and evolving its mission has been evident from day one. Having served as the Assistant Director of Sustainability since 2020 and recently being promoted to Director of Sustainability, adding the Foundation to Brown’s responsibilities was a privilege and honor. Austin shared that he spent the early months of his role delving into the Foundation’s 25-year history, speaking with past directors and board members to learn about the initiatives that have shaped its legacy. This historical foundation, Austin explained, helped him navigate how to improve and evolve the Foundation’s direction for the future.  

At its core, the Riceland Foods Foundation is dedicated to improving access to essential health services, creating educational opportunities for youth, and fostering economic resilience in local communities. With a unique focus on agriculture, the Foundation supports programs like 4-H and FFA, emphasizing youth development in the agricultural sector. Additionally, addressing food security remains central to the Foundation’s mission. As Austin put it, "Riceland is a food company, and we want to make sure our local food pantries and food banks are well-supported.”

Impacting Communities

One of the most profound aspects of Austin’s role has been connecting with the individuals and organizations the Foundation supports. From local food banks to youth agricultural programs, the Foundation’s contributions have had lasting impacts. Austin recounted a story that stood out to him, where elderly residents of a small community were faced with the choice between buying groceries or medicine. The Foundation’s support helped alleviate those difficult decisions.  

“We can help eliminate some of those tough choices,” Austin said, reflecting on the importance of the Foundation's role in local communities. His commitment to not only funding but understanding the real impact of these projects has led to a more targeted approach in recent years.

Challenges and Growth

One of the challenges Austin has faced as Executive Director is determining which projects to fund. With a legacy of support spanning over 25 years, various initiatives have received funding. Austin has set out on a mission to help the Riceland Foods Foundation maximize its impact in local communities. Determining how to leverage resources and ensure they are directed toward programs that benefit the communities they serve most is of utmost priority to Brown and his team. “We want to do as much good as we can for as many communities as possible, and that’s exactly our focus,” Brown determinedly states.  

Building a Stronger Future

Looking forward, Austin’s vision for the Foundation is centered on collaboration. He is particularly excited about a new scholarship initiative specifically for family members of Riceland employees and farmer members, offering direct benefits to those within the Riceland community.  

Austin also hopes to establish strategic partnerships with other like-minded organizations, extending the Foundation’s reach and amplifying its impact. “How can we collaborate with them to help this funding go even further?” he asked, highlighting his goal of building lasting partnerships that align with the Foundation's mission.

How to Get Involved

Austin’s message to the Riceland community is clear: help spread the word. “There are so many people who don’t even know that the Foundation exists,” he shared. By raising awareness about the Foundation and its initiatives, community members can help broaden the Foundation’s reach and identify new opportunities to make an impact.  

Whether through financial contributions or simply informing others about the Foundation’s work, everyone has a role to play in its future. Austin also encourages people to share ideas about what their communities need most. “We want to know how we can participate and who better to share that with us than the community members,” he added.

Leaving a Legacy

As Austin continues to lead the Riceland Foods Foundation, he remains focused on ensuring that the Foundation doesn’t just continue but thrives for the next 25 years. His goal is to leave behind a legacy of growth and sustainability, improving upon the Foundation’s work while staying true to its mission.  

“I want to implement changes that will ensure the Foundation’s longevity,” he said. Under Austin’s leadership, the Riceland Foods Foundation is well on its way to making an even greater impact in the years to come.  

Learn more about projects the Foundation has supported in our 25 in 25: Celebrating 25 Projects for the Riceland Foods Foundation article.