CRS Rice Bowl is the Lenten program of Catholic Relief Services, the official relief and development agency of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Through CRS Rice Bowl, faith communities in dioceses throughout the United States put their faith into action through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Lenten alms donated through CRS Rice Bowl support the work of CRS in more than 100 different countries each year. Twenty-five percent of donations to CRS Rice Bowl stay in the local diocese, supporting hunger and poverty alleviation efforts. Since its inception in 1975, CRS Rice Bowl has raised nearly $300 million.

What is a CRS Rice Bowl?

CRS Rice Bowl is a staple on the table of Catholic families across the country during Lent. This simple cardboard box is a tool for collecting Lenten alms—and comes with a Lenten calendar that guides families through the 40 days of Lent with activities, reflections and stories.

This year, journey with CRS to Guatemala, Bangladesh and Rwanda to learn about the root causes of hunger and how families—with the support of faith communities like yours—are making sure they have nutritious food to thrive. Through stories, videos and lesson plans, your community will learn about the global issue of hunger and malnutrition and our Gospel call to help those experiencing these affronts to human dignity. Visit www.crsricebowl.org for stories of hope, reflections, lenten recipies and much more.

In need of a Rice Bowl?  Send us an e-mail to  and we'll mail you one! 

For a DIY Rice Bowl Label, visit: RB22-DIY-Bowl-Label-English-21US-385865.pdf (crsricebowl.org)