Catholic Relief Services allows (arch)dioceses in the United States that participate in CRS Rice Bowl to keep 25% of the collection in the local community to be used for local hunger and poverty alleviation projects.
Catholic Relief Services believes the 25% of CRS Rice Bowl contributions that remain in the diocese illustrates the importance of our global responsibility as Christians to assist those in need both around the corner and around the world. The 25% enables local participants to understand the plight of the poor overseas through the experience of the poor in their own communities.
For more than a decade, the Catholic Charities Solidarity Team has honored CRS’ understanding of the local 25% by running a Rice Bowl Grants program for food security needs in the Metuchen Diocese. This program allows a variety of organizations to receive help in their food security mission. Food pantries and soup kitchens are among the more frequent recipients.
Our deadline to apply for funds each year is September 30, and grants will be awarded later in the fall.
We hold to these basic guidelines and criteria: