Our History

Started in 1980 in Spartanburg, SC, Rice Bowls is a non-profit organization that seeks to provide food for orphaned children 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 a plastic rice bowl coin bank that’s very similar to the one we still 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 children’s homes, first in India and Sub-Saharan Africa. This movement was in prayerful response in part to the growing global orphan crisis. Today, we still use the plastic coin banks but we also pursue other avenues to engage those here in the US as well as help our partner homes. 

Rice Bowls is still based in Upstate South Carolina. Since its inception, Rice Bowls has raised tens of millions of dollars to alleviate world hunger.