Season-long partnership with No Kid Hungry turns big plays on the field into meaningful impact off it
CHICAGO, September 28, 2026 — Ben's Original and All-Star first baseman Ben Rice are marking a major milestone in their season-long partnership: helping kids access up to 500,000 meals* for kids facing hunger through No Kid Hungry.
The partnership began at the start of the 2026 baseball season with a natural connection between Ben Rice and the Ben's Original brand but quickly grew into something more meaningful. Throughout the season, Ben's Original made donations to No Kid Hungry inspired by Rice's biggest moments on the field, giving fans another reason to celebrate his success while supporting kids and families. What began as a playful cultural connection quickly grew into a season-long platform that brought together baseball, food and purpose, and gave fans even more reason to root for Rice.
“Knowing that what happened on the field could contribute to something much bigger made this season even more meaningful," said professional baseball player, Ben Rice. “I’m incredibly proud that together we’ve helped kids access up to 500,000 meals, and grateful to everyone who got behind the partnership throughout the season.”
FROM A PERFECT MATCH TO MEANINGFUL IMPACT
When Ben’s Original and Rice first teamed up in March, the brand kicked off the partnership by making a donation that helped kids access up to 22,000 meals* through No Kid Hungry, a nod to Rice’s No. 22 jersey. Additional donations followed throughout the season, inspired by his performance on the field.
“This partnership started with an unexpected connection, but its impact is what has made it meaningful,” said Matt Graham, Chief Growth Officer, Mars Food & Nutrition. “Ben brought fans along with us throughout the season, and together we’ve been able to channel that momentum into helping kids access up to 500,000 meals. That is something we’re incredibly proud of.”
As Rice's season gained momentum, so did the partnership. Fans embraced the connection, including a GIF of Rice enjoying a bowl of rice that became a popular way to celebrate his biggest moments online, used roughly 10,000 times a day during the season. More importantly, the impact continued to grow, ultimately reaching kids where they need it most.
Building on its longstanding work with No Kid Hungry, Ben’s Original continues to champion greater access to tasty, healthy and accessible meals for families and communities. The milestone reinforces the brand’s commitment through Making Meals Matter, Mars Food & Nutrition’s global initiative dedicated to helping more people enjoy fulfilling and nourishing meals.
The 2026 regular season ends with Ben Rice and Ben’s Original putting more meaningful numbers on the scoreboard: helping kids access up to 500,000 meals*, one unforgettable season, and proof that sometimes a perfect match can become something much bigger.
*Meal equivalencies vary. See No Kid Hungry for additional information.
