Nutritional Development Services

For the month of May, Pope Leo's intention is "that everyone might have food". We join the Holy Father in asking that all people--from large producers to small consumers--be committed to avoid wasting food, and to ensure that everyone has access to quality food.

Pray with the Pope: That everyone might have food | May 2026 Today, millions of people continue to suffer from hunger. This threatens the dignity of the most vulnerable and questions the way we live and share our resou...

We are very sorry to share the passing of Msgr. Robert J. Coll, founder of CRS Rice Bowl. What started as an interfaith hunger-relief effort in the Allentown Diocese grew into a national movement. We are grateful for Msgr. Coll's vision and that his legacy lives on.

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Monsignor Robert J. Coll, founder of CRS Rice Bowl.

What began as Operation Rice Bowl in the Diocese of Allentown, Pennsylvania—an ecumenical response to world hunger during the Sahel drought—grew into a national Lenten program adopted by Catholic Relief Services in 1976.

Fifty years later, millions of families continue to use CRS Rice Bowl each Lent to put their faith into action, all because of Monsignor Coll’s vision and unwavering commitment.

“His faith never wavered. His enthusiasm never faded. And the warmth and inspiration he gave to those around him lives on in every Rice Bowl collected and every hungry family fed,” says Sean Callahan, President and CEO of Catholic Relief Services.

We invite our CRS Rice Bowl family to join us in prayer as we remember Monsignor Coll and give thanks for his enduring legacy.
May his compassion and dedication to our most vulnerable sisters and brothers live on—in the communities CRS serves and throughout our Catholic family.

🙏 Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. Amen.

Join us for a night that makes a difference ❤️⚾️

On June 5th and 6:40 PM, the Catholic Charities Appeal of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia invites you to CCA Night with the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park!

This year’s beneficiary, the Church’s Nutritional Development Services, provides over 7.5 million meals each year to individuals and families facing food insecurity across our community. Through food pantries and meal programs, lives are not only sustained—but transformed.

🎟️ If we reach 500 tickets sold, a CCA beneficiary will take the mound for the first pitch AND sing the national anthem!

Come cheer on the Philadelphia Phillies and support a mission that feeds both body and soul.