TROY - St. Jerome Parish is using a $500 grant from Operation Rice Bowl to purchase food for its ongoing food bus ministry.

Operation Rice Bowl is sponsored by Catholic Relief Services through the diocesan Office for the Missions. Each year, 25 percent of money collected through Operation Rice Bowl remains in the local dioceses to support hunger-relief programs. The remaining 75 percent helps hunger-relief programs throughout the world.

"We are very grateful for the grant. It comes at a much-needed time, as the cost of buying groceries has spiked," said Lorraine Senci, pastoral associate at St. Jerome. "We appreciate the generosity of all who supported Operation Rice Bowl in our diocese this past Lent."

Twice a month, St. Jerome parishioners volunteer to prepare and serve food through the St. Vincent de Paul Mobile Kitchen, a bus that has been converted to provide sit-down dining to residents of East St. Louis at various locations.