Taking a Little Grain and Making a Big Difference

At 4Sisters, rice isn’t just a food staple or even a business. For Meryl, Patchez, Felicity, and Chantel, it’s their legacy, passion, and opportunity to make a positive impact on the world around them. In short, these four real-life sisters are sustainably bringing organic and natural rice products to consumers nationwide, but that is merely the surface of a family business that is steeped in Louisiana history and dedication to its consumers, community, and the environment.

‍

While 4Sisters Rice first hit the retail market alongside a global pandemic in March of 2020, the family farm in Mer Rouge, Louisiana, had been a large part of the agricultural community for decades. Started in 1964 by the family patriarch, Elton Kennedy, this humble farm has since grown to over 25,000 acres of Louisiana rice crops, farmed directly by the Kennedy family, their tenants, and employees.

‍‍

“We are so honored to get to share our family’s story through our 4Sisters Rice brand. We hope that by sharing our story, we can bring other families together and back to the family table,” says Meryl.

‍

Elton Kennedy’s legacy as a leader in the agricultural industry and his constant reminder to his four daughters to “take a little grain and use it to make a difference in the world” inspired them to create 4Sisters Rice. Together, they brought to life their vision of a vertically integrated business that would allow them to bring healthy, affordable, and great-tasting rice products directly from their Morehouse Parish farm to consumers across the nation.

‍

Fortunately, Louisiana provided the perfect backdrop to bring such a business model to life. Not only does the Pelican State’s climate and geographic location help sustain it as the nation’s third-largest producer of rice, but the close-knit business community also contributed to 4Sisters’ ability to thrive.

‍

“We brought this idea to life by working with local suppliers and family farmers who share our vision of growing select rice varieties that consistently cook and taste the best,” Meryl notes. “Early brand support by local, southern grocery chains like Rouses, Whole Foods Markets of Louisiana, Associated Grocers, and Brookshires really helped us get our foot in the door and gain the momentum necessary for national expansion.”

‍

As the company has grown, it hasn’t lost sight of its key initiatives. If anything, it has begun shining an even brighter spotlight on these goals.  4Sisters aren’t just sisters. They’re also mothers who want to preserve Louisiana’s environment and natural resources for future generations through sustainable agricultural practices. They seek to strengthen the family unit with healthy and affordable meals brought to the family table, and they support their community with the goal of enriching the lives of every individual they employ.

‍

“We couldn’t make it happen without our incredibly hardworking team. This includes everyone on the farm level, to sales and marketing, operations, transportation and beyond…everyone involved in taking 4Sisters Rice from the seed to the shelf,” shared Meryl.

‍

Today, you can find 4Sisters on shelves in over 4,000 American grocery stores and learn about their story via national outlets like NBC News. And, while a women-owned rice brand may seem an oddity in America’s agricultural environment, the Kennedy sisters don’t seem to mind. In fact, it’s a label they embrace, using it to further their mission, inspire others, and shift the narrative surrounding Louisiana culture and agriculture.