50 Years of CRS Rice Bowl

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 It started with a desire to make a difference.

In 1975, Catholics in Allentown, Penn., 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. Since then, generations of Catholics across the United States have come together each Lent with one common goal: to end global hunger.  

It continued with a commitment to ending hunger.

In the 50 years since, we’ve been deeply moved by the commitment and impact you’ve had on this shared mission. CRS Rice Bowl has been proud to bring stories of hope to you and your family – stories about how our sisters and brothers are engaged in activities that break the cycle of hunger and build health and resilience. Stories of people like Hongkham in Laos.  

We met Hongkham in 2016, when she was volunteering as a cook at her children’s school, which provided free school lunches for students. Her family also received monthly food rations through a Catholic Relief Services program after her husband fell seriously ill and they had to sell their farm. Over the next eight years, Hongkham became a mentor in her community – sharing knowledge and fostering a network of cooks who now rotate duties and make sure the children always have a warm meal to look forward to. Four of her six sons grew up on school meals, and they stand noticeably taller. Her husband’s health also improved, and he now works as a carpenter with two of their sons.

Today, however, our world faces a food crisis like never before. Our prayers and almsgiving are as important as ever.

When COVID-19 spread across the world, hunger was already deepening. Other problems have contributed to the current food crisis, like conflict and wars, climate change and the rising cost of food. Now, millions of people are living without access to the food they need to live a healthy life. This is dangerous, especially for children who need the right nutrition to grow.

Over the next 40 days, we’re going to meet families in Nigeria, Guatemala and Bangladesh who don’t have enough to eat. Whether this is the first time you’re participating in CRS Rice Bowl, or you were one of the founding parishioners from Allentown, Penn., we must come together to hear their stories and address this urgent need – because everyone deserves plenty to eat.