Author: sHq_LoGiNz

Partnership helps families across the state fight hunger

RIVERSIDE, Calif., Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Riviana Foods Inc. (Riviana), America’s leading rice manufacturer, announced today the successful conclusion of its second annual RiceSelect^® “Jars of Hope” initiative. In partnership with the California Association of Food Banks (CAFB), “Jars of Hope” raised $120,000 in in-kind and monetary contributions to help families across California facing food insecurity.

More than 11,300 RiceSelect^® jars (almost 20 full pallets) were donated to Feeding America Riverside San Bernardino today during a special ceremony. An additional monetary donation of $13,500 has been made to CAFB. The donations will be distributed within the CAFB network with a focus on assisting families in rural locations with fewer local resources available.

“We are grateful to everyone who helped Jars of Hope grow in its second year,” said Megan Byerly, RiceSelect Brand Manager. “We’re proud of the success of the initiative and the impact we’re able to make in communities across California. We talk about our rice and grains elevating everyday meals in our customers’ homes, but it gives new meaning to see our RiceSelect jars make a difference across so many communities.”

For every two RiceSelect^® jars purchased at participating retailers across California from November 3-30, 2025, one jar was donated to the CAFB. The program included returning retailers Food4Less, Foods Co., Ralphs and Walmart and new participants Albertsons, Raley’s and SaveMart.

“I speak for thousands of Californians when I say thank you to Riviana Foods for providing much needed resources and helping us nourish our neighbors in need,” said Yulanda Smith, Vice President External Affairs, California Association of Food Banks. “We very much appreciate the continued support and partnership in our mission to fight hunger in California.”

RiceSelect^® products are available throughout the United States, with growing distribution across California.

For more information, visit www.RiceSelect.com.

ABOUT RIVIANA FOODS INC. 
Riviana Foods Inc. (“Riviana”) is the largest processor, marketer and distributor of branded and private label rice products in the United States. The Riviana family of well-known brands includes RiceSelect^®, Minute^®, Success^®, Mahatma^®, Carolina^®, and Tilda^®. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Riviana is a subsidiary of Ebro Foods, S.A., a company known as the global leader in rice.

All RiceSelect^® products are made with the finest ingredients using high standards and rigorous attention to detail. Each product provides a special quality, taste, or texture, making it perfectly suited for a wide variety of recipe applications. The RiceSelect^® product line includes rice varieties such as Arborio, Royal Blend^®, Jasmati^®, Texmati^®, and Sushi Rice, as well as Couscous, Pearl Couscous, Orzo and Quinoa varieties.

ABOUT CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF FOOD BANKS 
Since the California Association of Food Banks (CAFB) formed in 1997, it has grown into a powerful network leading the fight against hunger in California with a shared belief that access to food is a fundamental right. CAFB partners with 43 food banks who support 6,000+ community-based organizations, as well as 200+ agricultural partners with a common mission: to end hunger. Through collaborative partnerships. CAFB is a collective force making equitable access to food the standard, not the exception. For more information about CAFB, please visit cafoodbanks.org.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/riceselect-brand-concludes-second-annual-jars-of-hope-initiative-delivering-120-000-to-california-association-of-food-banks-302680777.html

SOURCE Riviana Foods

Partnership helps families across the state fight hunger

RIVERSIDE, Calif., Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Riviana Foods Inc. (Riviana), America’s leading rice manufacturer, announced today the successful conclusion of its second annual RiceSelect^® “Jars of Hope” initiative. In partnership with the California Association of Food Banks (CAFB), “Jars of Hope” raised $120,000 in in-kind and monetary contributions to help families across California facing food insecurity.

More than 11,300 RiceSelect^® jars (almost 20 full pallets) were donated to Feeding America Riverside San Bernardino today during a special ceremony. An additional monetary donation of $13,500 has been made to CAFB. The donations will be distributed within the CAFB network with a focus on assisting families in rural locations with fewer local resources available.

“We are grateful to everyone who helped Jars of Hope grow in its second year,” said Megan Byerly, RiceSelect Brand Manager. “We’re proud of the success of the initiative and the impact we’re able to make in communities across California. We talk about our rice and grains elevating everyday meals in our customers’ homes, but it gives new meaning to see our RiceSelect jars make a difference across so many communities.”

For every two RiceSelect^® jars purchased at participating retailers across California from November 3-30, 2025, one jar was donated to the CAFB. The program included returning retailers Food4Less, Foods Co., Ralphs and Walmart and new participants Albertsons, Raley’s and SaveMart.

“I speak for thousands of Californians when I say thank you to Riviana Foods for providing much needed resources and helping us nourish our neighbors in need,” said Yulanda Smith, Vice President External Affairs, California Association of Food Banks. “We very much appreciate the continued support and partnership in our mission to fight hunger in California.”

RiceSelect^® products are available throughout the United States, with growing distribution across California.

For more information, visit www.RiceSelect.com.

ABOUT RIVIANA FOODS INC. 
Riviana Foods Inc. (“Riviana”) is the largest processor, marketer and distributor of branded and private label rice products in the United States. The Riviana family of well-known brands includes RiceSelect^®, Minute^®, Success^®, Mahatma^®, Carolina^®, and Tilda^®. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Riviana is a subsidiary of Ebro Foods, S.A., a company known as the global leader in rice.

All RiceSelect^® products are made with the finest ingredients using high standards and rigorous attention to detail. Each product provides a special quality, taste, or texture, making it perfectly suited for a wide variety of recipe applications. The RiceSelect^® product line includes rice varieties such as Arborio, Royal Blend^®, Jasmati^®, Texmati^®, and Sushi Rice, as well as Couscous, Pearl Couscous, Orzo and Quinoa varieties.

ABOUT CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF FOOD BANKS 
Since the California Association of Food Banks (CAFB) formed in 1997, it has grown into a powerful network leading the fight against hunger in California with a shared belief that access to food is a fundamental right. CAFB partners with 43 food banks who support 6,000+ community-based organizations, as well as 200+ agricultural partners with a common mission: to end hunger. Through collaborative partnerships. CAFB is a collective force making equitable access to food the standard, not the exception. For more information about CAFB, please visit cafoodbanks.org.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/riceselect-brand-concludes-second-annual-jars-of-hope-initiative-delivering-120-000-to-california-association-of-food-banks-302680777.html

SOURCE Riviana Foods

DAVENPORT, Iowa, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Iowa American Water is thrilled to announce the launch of the American Water Charitable Foundation 2026 Water and Environment Grant Program. The Foundation invites community partners to apply for grants that promote clean water, conservation, environmental education, climate variability and water-based recreation projects.

“River Action and the community have long benefitted from a collaboration with Iowa American Water that addresses water quality and education,” said Kathy Wine, Executive Director of River Action, Inc. “The American Water Charitable Foundation Water and Environment Grant helped provide funding for CoCoRaSH rain gauges and training for our high school and college students who attended the Next Gen Summit in October 2025. These students will become a network of volunteers reporting rain observations using their gauges, which will get reported to organizations like the National Weather Service to assess the data.”

In 2025, the American Water Charitable Foundation awarded a combined total of $1.7 million to 80 organizations in 12 states, supporting organizations located in communities served by American Water, including five from Iowa-based organizations:

• Clinton Substance Abuse Council
• Bettendorf Public Library Foundation
• Nahant Marsh Education Center
• River Action, Inc.
• Vince Jetter Community Center

“As a provider of safe, clean water and wastewater service for customers in Iowa, a commitment to the well-being of the environment and our watersheds is at the heart of all we do. We understand that as a company, we play an important role in protecting, restoring and enhancing these shared resources. We also know we can’t do it alone,” said Iowa American Water President Brad Nielsen. “We’re thankful for the many dedicated community partners we’re able to collaborate with as they work to address environmental concerns, offer educational resources and ensure the health and vitality of our watersheds for generations to come. We encourage them to take advantage of this opportunity and apply for a Water and Environment Grant.” 

The Foundation supports three pillars of giving: Water, People and Communities. Since 2012, the American Water Charitable Foundation has invested over $25 million in funding through grants and matching gifts that positively benefit the communities where American Water and its employees live and work. 

“The American Water Charitable Foundation is proud to work collaboratively with Iowa American Water and launch the 2026 Water and Environment Grant Program, supporting impactful initiatives and programs across the nation,” said Carrie Williams, President, American Water Charitable Foundation. “Our charitable focus to Keep Communities Flowing empowers communities to understand the importance of water education and conservation, while also encouraging local organizations to engage in protecting this vital resource.” 

Applications will be accepted through March 6, 2026. Learn more about the American Water Charitable Foundation, grant eligibility and how to apply here. 

About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s 6,500 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders. 

For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram. 

About American Water Charitable Foundation
The American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), focuses on three pillars of giving: Water, People, and Communities. Since 2012, the Foundation has invested over $25 million in funding through grants and matching gifts to support eligible organizations in communities served by American Water. The Foundation is funded by American Water shareholders and has no impact on customer rates. For more information, visit amwater.com/awcf. 

About Iowa American Water
Iowa American Water, a subsidiary of American Water is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 227,000 people.

For more information, visit iowaamwater.com and follow Iowa American Water on Facebook, X and LinkedIn.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/iowa-american-water-announces-launch-of-2026-american-water-charitable-foundation-water-and-environment-grant-program-302680547.html

SOURCE American Water

DAVENPORT, Iowa, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Iowa American Water is thrilled to announce the launch of the American Water Charitable Foundation 2026 Water and Environment Grant Program. The Foundation invites community partners to apply for grants that promote clean water, conservation, environmental education, climate variability and water-based recreation projects.

“River Action and the community have long benefitted from a collaboration with Iowa American Water that addresses water quality and education,” said Kathy Wine, Executive Director of River Action, Inc. “The American Water Charitable Foundation Water and Environment Grant helped provide funding for CoCoRaSH rain gauges and training for our high school and college students who attended the Next Gen Summit in October 2025. These students will become a network of volunteers reporting rain observations using their gauges, which will get reported to organizations like the National Weather Service to assess the data.”

In 2025, the American Water Charitable Foundation awarded a combined total of $1.7 million to 80 organizations in 12 states, supporting organizations located in communities served by American Water, including five from Iowa-based organizations:

• Clinton Substance Abuse Council
• Bettendorf Public Library Foundation
• Nahant Marsh Education Center
• River Action, Inc.
• Vince Jetter Community Center

“As a provider of safe, clean water and wastewater service for customers in Iowa, a commitment to the well-being of the environment and our watersheds is at the heart of all we do. We understand that as a company, we play an important role in protecting, restoring and enhancing these shared resources. We also know we can’t do it alone,” said Iowa American Water President Brad Nielsen. “We’re thankful for the many dedicated community partners we’re able to collaborate with as they work to address environmental concerns, offer educational resources and ensure the health and vitality of our watersheds for generations to come. We encourage them to take advantage of this opportunity and apply for a Water and Environment Grant.” 

The Foundation supports three pillars of giving: Water, People and Communities. Since 2012, the American Water Charitable Foundation has invested over $25 million in funding through grants and matching gifts that positively benefit the communities where American Water and its employees live and work. 

“The American Water Charitable Foundation is proud to work collaboratively with Iowa American Water and launch the 2026 Water and Environment Grant Program, supporting impactful initiatives and programs across the nation,” said Carrie Williams, President, American Water Charitable Foundation. “Our charitable focus to Keep Communities Flowing empowers communities to understand the importance of water education and conservation, while also encouraging local organizations to engage in protecting this vital resource.” 

Applications will be accepted through March 6, 2026. Learn more about the American Water Charitable Foundation, grant eligibility and how to apply here. 

About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s 6,500 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders. 

For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram. 

About American Water Charitable Foundation
The American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), focuses on three pillars of giving: Water, People, and Communities. Since 2012, the Foundation has invested over $25 million in funding through grants and matching gifts to support eligible organizations in communities served by American Water. The Foundation is funded by American Water shareholders and has no impact on customer rates. For more information, visit amwater.com/awcf. 

About Iowa American Water
Iowa American Water, a subsidiary of American Water is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 227,000 people.

For more information, visit iowaamwater.com and follow Iowa American Water on Facebook, X and LinkedIn.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/iowa-american-water-announces-launch-of-2026-american-water-charitable-foundation-water-and-environment-grant-program-302680547.html

SOURCE American Water

NEW YORK, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Nespresso’s Flatiron flagship is anchored by a custom-branded split-flap installation that transforms the storefront into a destination. At just over 100 square feet, the split-flap display was designed and fabricated by Oat Foundry, a Philadelphia-based creative engineering company. The branded analog display introduces motion, sound, and mechanical storytelling into the contemporary luxury coffee environment. Integrated directly into the facade, the 10.6-foot-by-9.7-foot flip board turns movement into an experience, one that draws attention before a single transaction. One of the largest of its kind outside an airport, the analog display, created in partnership with New York City-based agency NMBL, uses 42,000 flaps, 20 custom colors, and the Nespresso font to create vibrant illustrations, patterns, and analog wallpapers, including the brand’s logo.

“Boring retail is dying,” says Oat Foundry CEO and Co-Founder Mark Kuhn, a mechanical engineer by training who has led the company for over 12 years. Kuhn was recently elected to serve on the board of SEGD (Society for Experiential Graphic Design). He elaborates: “Attention isn’t demanded, it’s earned by compelling work. A split-flap display doesn’t compete with noise; it cuts through it. There’s so much disposable digital out there. Nespresso understood that durability and beauty aren’t trade-offs.”

The split-flap is a throwback to the heyday of New York retail. From the late 19th to the mid-20th century, retail served as a spectacle, theater, and social space, rather than just commerce. Long before digital signage and video walls, this era prioritized the art of being seen and seeing, revealing the power of physical retail grounded in presence. That tradition informed Nespresso’s new Flatiron flagship design, in which Oat Foundry’s Split Flap display blends modern retail strategy with tactile, mechanical visual storytelling.

The signature split-flap sound complements the low-fi atmosphere of a traditional coffeehouse, adding rhythm to the space. Oat Foundry’s Portal software, accessible via tablet, phone, or laptop, expands the split-flap’s functionality with an extensive content library, 32 transition styles, and the ability to display branded messaging or function as an interactive menu. At this scale, the modular display accommodates over 1,500 characters. The installation is a clear example of how enterprise brands can create memorable focal points in cafe design without an overreliance on digital screens, turning a storefront moment into a destination.

Nespresso’s multisensory approach continues through curated details. Visitors sample Nespresso pod varieties alongside capsule “scents,” an experiential shift in traditional coffee tasting. The space also includes “The Hidden Cup,” a speakeasy-style lounge featuring a drinks program developed in partnership with tastemakers and inspired by contemporary coffee trends. With subtle shifts in lighting and color across displays, fine matte finishes, and textured surfaces, the designers behind the storefront create a luxury coffee shop design that invites touch and encourages discovery.

Together, these elements reflect a broader investment in the experience economy, where retail spaces are designed not only to sell products but to create meaningful connections with customers. By combining a coffeehouse, store, and intimate lounge, the Flatiron flagship offers a contemporary take on the upscale café, prioritizing atmosphere and sensory storytelling. The addition of analog tech further underscores the value of mechanical displays in coffee shop layout design, improving engagement and dwell time without relying on screens.

The response has been strong across media and social platforms. Content creators have described the space as a “theme park for coffee lovers,” while Time Out notes that it “feels less like a store and more like a choose-your-own-adventure for the caffeinated.” Others have highlighted the brand’s complimentary tastings as a rare gesture in today’s retail landscape.

The custom split-flap display also supports Nespresso’s sustainability goals: it draws minimal power and generates very little heat, using only a fraction of the energy required to run a comparable digital screen. Nespresso currently sources 91% of its coffee through its AAA Sustainable Quality™ Program, achieving an estimated 35% global recycling rate. Developed in collaboration with the Rainforest Alliance, the AAA Program focuses on quality, sustainability, and productivity, values that also align closely with Oat Foundry’s approach to design.

In 2024, the Nespresso-branded market reached USD 8.26 billion and is projected to grow steadily over the next decade. Nespresso’s new NYC location, the brand’s largest flagship boutique globally and its first in North America, underscores the company’s reimagined, experiential retail strategy. Today, Nespresso operates in 81 countries with more than 800 retail locations worldwide.

Through its collaboration with Nespresso, Oat Foundry continues to bring modern analog technology into immersive, experience-driven spaces, creating meaningful, tactile moments that connect brands with their customers.

About Oat Foundry

Oat Foundry is a multidisciplinary creative engineering company founded in 2013, focused on creating kinetic and mechanical displays and technology that bring physical motion into public spaces. Operating out of their Philadelphia headquarters, Oat Foundry partners with global brands, designers, and architects to build sustainable, human-centered experiences that serve as a welcoming alternative to always-on digital signage or video walls.

Image Caption: Legible from up to 100 ft away, Oat Foundry’s standard split-flap display font is designed for ADA compliance, making it easy to read in high-traffic spaces such as retail storefronts, lobbies, airports, train stations, student centers, stadiums, and much more.

Image Caption: The custom-branded split-flap display designed and built for Nespresso is now placed in the retail flagship near the entrance. The split-flap board rotates through brand imagery, such as the Nespresso logo, using custom-colored flaps.

Image Caption: At around 100 sq. ft and 42,000 flaps, Oat Foundry’s custom-branded Split Flap board can accommodate over 1,500 characters. The display’s modular design allows it to be scaled for a range of spaces, including Nespresso’s luxury coffee expansive shop layout.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/oat-foundry-powers-nespressos-largest-global-flagship-with-42-000-flap-kinetic-split-flap-display-302680611.html

SOURCE Oat Foundry