CRS Rice Bowl’s commitment to end hunger spans 50 years

At this very moment, millions of our most vulnerable sisters and brothers are facing life-threatening levels of hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition. At the root of this crisis is a perfect storm of poverty, climate change, conflict and wars, inequality and the rising cost of food. The world-wide situation is critical as funds are being cut for foreign aid and hunger assistance.

In 1975, Catholics in Allentown, Pennsylvania, prayed, fasted and gave alms to help people suffering from famine in the Sahel region of Africa — marking the beginning of what would become CRS Rice Bowl. Today, as we celebrate its 50th anniversary, the program is a tradition for millions of Catholics in the United States who continue to answer the Gospel call, supporting families experiencing hunger around the world.

During the weeks of Lent, we’ll share stories of hope about people in Nigeria, Guatemala and Bangladesh who are engaged in activities that break the cycle of hunger and build health and resilience. You are invited to reflect on their lives, share a meatless meal with your family (perhaps preparing one of the recipes from their countries in solidarity) and donate the money you save, as well as other funds to the Rice Bowl program through your parish or online using a credit card, PayPal or ApplePay.

A donation to CRS Rice Bowl helps provide lifesaving support to more than 200 million people in more than 120 countries. It also helps at the local level, with 25% of every donation remaining in local dioceses to fight hunger and poverty.

There is no one solution to breaking the cycle of hunger for every community around the world — but we can do our part through CRS Rice Bowl by answering Jesus’ invitation to share bread for life with our sisters and brothers during Lent — so all may live with dignity.

Rice Bowl resources are offered in both English and Spanish and are available in print and online. Find them at: www.crsricebowl.org or www.crsplatodearroz.org.

Organizations interested in applying for a Local Rice Bowl Grant can obtain the grant guidelines and application form by contacting the St. Cloud Mission Office at 320-251-1100 or visiting https://www.stcloudmissionoffice.com.

Consider starting this holy season with a meaningful reflection by using the CRS Prayer Service to Begin Lent.

Materials from CRS Rice Bowl press releases and website were included when writing this story.

Pictured above: Hongkham Phengsaphone, a mother of six, has become a beacon of hope and nourishment in her community in Laos. Her journey began over a decade ago when her passion for cooking led her to volunteer as a chef at her children’s school, a place transformed by the efforts of the Learning and Engaging All in Primary Schools project, implemented by Catholic Relief Services, with funding from the USDA. (Photo by Benny Manser/Catholic Relief Services)