Operation Rice Bowl began as an ecumenical effort in 1975 in Allentown, PA, where it raised more than $100,000 (roughly equivalent to $560,000 in 2024). The following year, the initiative was sponsored by the 41st International Eucharistic Congress held in Philadelphia, making the connection between “The Eucharist and the Hungers of the Human Family.” The first chairman of Operation Rice Bowl, Monsignor Robert J. Coll, challenged American families gathering for a meal, “to make their tables an altar, to pray and to eat a sacrificial meal … Through prayer, through experiencing hunger, through making this sacrifice, families will learn an important spiritual lesson. We don’t want your alms, we want your understanding.” Since that early challenge, Operation Rice Bowl has raised more than $330 million. Faithful people of the Diocese of Youngstown have contributed their alms and their understanding to Operation Rice Bowl since that time. The Catholic Exponent helped to spread the word by featuring diocesan families eating a “slim meal” and offering the difference to help other families at home and abroad.
In 1977, the Pecchia family (above), shared a one-bowl meatless supper. Matthew Pecchia, far right, now works as the IT Director for the diocese. The Welsh family (below), ate just macaroni and cheese, while daughter Susan had the honor of placing the $3 saved into the family Rice Bowl. Thomas Welsh, pictured far left, is a contributor to The Echo.
