Our History

Started in 1980 in Spartanburg, SC, Rice Bowls is a non-profit organization that seeks to provide food for orphans in the name of Christ.   After visiting developing countries and witnessing the ravages of world hunger first-hand, Dr. Alastair Walker decided to develop a pro-active means to feed the hungry.

With the help of other staff and members of his church, Dr. Walker developed the plastic rice bowl coin bank that very similar to the one we use today.  Since rice is a dietary staple for much of the world, this design reminds us of those in need around the world.  The original concept of Rice Bowls remains the same – help organizations collect money that goes to feed the hungry.

In 1985, Rice Bowls was incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit agency in the State of South Carolina.  

Beginning in 2007, Rice Bowls began partnering directly with Christian orphanages, first in India and Sub-Saharan Africa.  This movement was in prayerful response in part to the growing global orphan crisis.

The manufacturing, administration and distribution for Rice Bowls still take place in Upstate South Carolina.  Since its inception, Rice Bowls has raised tens of millions of dollars to alleviate world hunger.

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At just two years old, Nithin settled into his new life at El Shadai Children’s Home in Chennai, India. His mother, affected by HIV, had heard of this caring home through a local Christian social worker. Her desire for Nithin to be loved and taken away from the horrific abuse at the hands of his father led her to El Shadai. Shortly after bringing Nithin to live here, she passed away. Today at nine years old, Joseph & Lydia, the directors at El Shadai, are his dad and mom.  read more ›

How easy is it? 7 steps — that’s all