Continuing the tradition: Empty Bowls fundraiser features lunch, dinner, handmade pottery

FLINT, Michigan—September is Hunger Action month and the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan is helping feed the hungry with soup and art at its annual Empty Bowls fundraiser for lunch and dinner on Thursday, Sept. 19.

The fundraiser, now in its 11th year, attracts more than a thousand people and provides a significant fundraising boost to the Food bank, which feeds 331,000 people in 22 counties in Michigan each year. 

Held at the Food Bank’s Hunger Solution Center, 1939 Howard Ave., in Flint, the community is invited to enjoy some soup, bread, dessert, and a handmade pottery bowl from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4  p.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 each.

The bowls — a highlight of the annual event — are created by local artisans at the Flint Institute of Arts and are intended to serve as a reminder that people throughout our community go hungry and relief services are a constant need. 

“The arts play a vital role in bringing focus and attention to challenges in our communities,” said Kara Ross, president and CEO of the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan. “We are grateful to the FIA and partnering artists for working with us to create these one-of-a-kind items each year — and for helping us in our efforts to end hunger and provide access to healthy foods for people in need.”

Empty Bowls will include raffles, an online auction, live music, cooking demonstrations, local celebrity servers, and information about all of the Food Bank’s programs. Dessert is being provided by more than 20 participating vendors. 

Tickets can be purchased at the door or online in advance.