Catholic Relief Services (CRS) leaders and volunteers in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles are urging increased support for the annual Rice Bowl campaign this Lent, following significant U.S. government cuts to international humanitarian aid that began in 2025.
The appeal comes as CRS faces reduced capacity to deliver food, health services, and development programs abroad due to budget reductions that have affected millions worldwide. The Rice Bowl program, which collects small daily donations during Lent through cardboard banks distributed at parishes, is seen as a vital way for local Catholics to help fill the gap left by federal funding cuts.
Heidi Villaluz, a California coalition leader for CRS and master catechist for the archdiocese, described her July 2025 trip to Guatemala where she witnessed firsthand the impact of rescinded U.S.-funded school feeding programs. “It was a way to learn in real time what we had only heard and read about,” said Villaluz. She explained that canceling these contracts meant students lost access not only to meals but also to follow-up vaccinations, while food supplies spoiled unused and vehicles were returned due to halted funding.
Villaluz said staffing in the United States has been cut back severely, limiting connections between local chapters and legislators. “Those of us who know these stories firsthand have a challenge to connect with those in our pews who may never see or hear what doesn’t make the news, but happens in an everyday life-and-death situation for millions around the world,” she said.
CRS was founded in 1943 by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops as its official international humanitarian agency. The Rice Bowl initiative marked its 50th anniversary in 2025 by raising more than $9.4 million nationally. Tim Clark, co-lead of the CRS San Pedro chapter, said: “The Rice Bowl program is something we need especially to focus on now with all that’s happening in the world.” He added: “Sending care packages is just one part of it. We need to keep staff members in the countries they serve. Otherwise, a lack of resources will lead to people leaving their homes out of desperation and our immigration issues may be even greater. All the slashing of funds maybe can catapult us forward in showing the importance of all aspects CRS does.”
Longtime parishioners Pia and Anselm Varni from St. Mel’s Church have traveled internationally with CRS for decades and emphasized how Rice Bowl connects donors with global needs: “Through Rice Bowl, we could learn about the culture of peoples from other parts of the world and the difficulties they face… Are we not our brother’s keeper?” Pia Varni said.
Local high schools such as Loyola High School and Ramona Convent Secondary School have also increased engagement through campus CRS chapters despite recent loss of regular organizational support due to funding cuts.
Cynthia Jones-Campbell, director for CRS at the archdiocese, called Rice Bowl “more than just a fundraiser.” She said: “It’s really a formational journey with our spiritual discipline into tangible actions… During Lent, we form habits, and it’s important to keep those habits alive through the year.”
As government support wanes globally, local efforts like Rice Bowl are expected to play an increasingly important role supporting both international relief work and local social justice grants within Los Angeles.
