A few years ago, Catholic Relief Services added a new feature to its annual Lenten Rice Bowl program.
In addition to encouraging participants to donate money to combat hunger and poverty, CRS introduced recipes from various countries that it helps, encouraging people to try the meatless meals during Lent. Among the featured countries have been Malawi, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Lesotho and Pakistan.
Seventy-five percent of the money raised by CRS Rice Bowl goes to fight poverty and hunger in nearly 100 countries worldwide; the remaining 25 percent assists local hunger efforts.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the CRS Rice Bowl program.