Auxiliary Bishop John McIntyre delivers remarks about the importance of Rice Bowl. Rice Bowl is a nationwide Lenten program providing people of all ages with ways to put their faith into action through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

Pictured left to right are officials from NDS, Auxiliary Bishop John McIntyre, and Catholic Relief Services Diocesan Director Anne Ayella.

During the Feb. 10 blessing, Auxiliary Bishop John McIntyre blesses this year’s Rice Bowl containers. (Archdiocese of Philadelphia)

The room listens to speaker Sister Maggie Gannon, OSF, Director of Access Community Center, whose food cupboard is supported by NDS. “Because of NDS’ faithful goodness to us since day one, we have food to give to those in need. Never have our cupboards been bare because of NDS,” said Sister Maggie.

Lizanne Hagedorn, Executive Director of Nutritional Development Services, reflects on the local impact Rice Bowl has on the Greater Philadelphia Area. 25% of Rice Bowl contributions will be used by Nutritional Development Services to combat hunger and poverty locally.

Following the Feb. 10 blessing, Archdiocesan Pastoral Center and NDS staff packed bags to be delivered to beneficiaries of Access Community Center’s efforts.

Access Community Center is a community center serving the City of Chester with an active food cupboard supported by NDS.

In this Feb. 10 file photo, NDS and CRS officials present Sister Maggie with bags of donated food for Access Community Center. The site serves those in need in the City of Chester with an active food cupboard supported by NDS.