Lenten CRS Rice Bowl offers a simple way to help fight hunger in Houston, abroad

A Catholic Relief Services Rice Bowl is seen on a prayer desk next to a crucifix, Rosary and a Bible in a classroom at St. Jerome Catholic School in Houston. Lent kicks off the annual Rice Bowl effort that supports Catholic Relief Service projects around the world and in Galveston-Houston. (Photo by James Ramos/Herald)

Leaders say collection, support is more critical than ever after foreign aid cuts

HOUSTON — Throughout the season of Lent, the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Rice Bowl can be seen on display in the narthex and offices of many Catholic churches, schools and even homes.

Parishioners, students and families often keep these Rice Bowls in visible places, desk tops, entrance tables and countertops where they can place cash or coin donations, collecting them throughout Lent as a daily reminder and tangible way to live out the three pillars of Lent: prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

“We invite you to join the over 100 parishes and schools right here in our Archdiocese that are teaming up to live out the pillars of Lent together,” Hilda Ochoa, Mission Office director, said. “Every year, more parishes and schools in the Archdiocese join the Rice Bowl program, together with over 11,000 churches and schools nationwide. Every penny counts, and every penny goes directly to those in need.”

CRS continues its efforts locally, nationally and abroad as countries around the world, including the U.S., have cut funding for international humanitarian aid, and world hunger continues to increase. A recent 2026 $50 billion aid package approved by Congress was less than $18 billion less than 2024.

Ongoing conflicts, extreme weather and persistent inflation are driving up food prices, pushing more families into hunger, CRS said. 

“According to the United Nations, nearly 700 million people worldwide face hunger today, just as cuts to humanitarian aid are leaving millions with fewer lifelines. This dangerous combination makes faith communities and programs like CRS Rice Bowl more critical than ever,” the organization said in a Feb. 18 statement.

Of Lenten alms raised by participating parishes and schools within the Archdiocese, 75% goes to support programs that address the root cause of poverty and directly work to alleviate and prevent hunger and poverty globally. Additionally, 25% of funds raised by local parishes and schools remain within the Archdiocese to support hunger and poverty relief efforts in the Galveston-Houston area.

Having celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025, the Rice Bowl program has raised $350 million in the U.S. to date.

“A great example of one of our most faithful parishes throughout the years is St. Justin Martyr Catholic Church,” Ochoa said.

Barbara Adams, manager for Social Ministry, has been involved with the CRS Rice Bowl for nearly 20 years and has also participated in the Rice Bowl grant program for several years, Ochoa said.

The grant program is made possible from the 25% of CRS Rice Bowl funds that remain within the Archdiocese.

Thanks to grant funding, St. Justin Martyr’s Social Ministry program has been able to purchase food, toiletries and school supplies, and to provide financial assistance to individuals and families in need, Ochoa said.

“It is a great opportunity for parishes, and it’s so easy to do,” Adams said. “If I can do it, anyone can.”

The CRS Rice Bowl contributes towards lifesaving work nationally and in more than 130 countries. In countries such as Ghana and Honduras, where spending cuts affect the individuals CRS serves, CRS is still providing much-needed aid.

“The Rice Bowl program is much more than a collection box. It is an educational initiative designed to deepen our faith and strengthen our understanding of Catholic Social Teaching,” Ochoa said. “Through these stories, we are reminded that global hunger and poverty are not abstract issues, but realities faced by real people.”

The Rice Bowl program offers school teachers and catechists free resources and pre-made lessons online to help students learn how to pray, fast and give in their daily lives.

Reflections, recipes and videos are also available on the Rice Bowl program website for Catholics who would like to get involved.

To learn more and donate, visit crsricebowl.org.