What is Empty Bowls? And how do bowls that are empty feed families in need?

In 1990, a high school art teacher in Michigan helped his students raise money to support a food
drive. What evolved was a class project to make ceramic bowls for a fundraising meal. Guests were served a simple meal of soup and bread, and were invited to keep the bowl as a reminder of hunger. Since 1990, Empty Bowls events have spread throughout the world as a meaningful way to invite everyone to feed their neighbors in need.

This fall will mark the 11th year that the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department has organized their Empty Bowls events with proceeds benefiting Mid-Ohio Foodbank. Participants at local recreation centers and partner sites create a large number of handmade clay bowls for this event every year. Volunteers at each event site supply homemade soups. Bowls sell at the event for a minimum donation of $10, which gets you a beverage and a bowl of soup in a handmade bowl to keep. Last year, Empty Bowls raised $15,748.69 for Mid-Ohio Foodbank.

This year, we invite you to join us at one of our many locations and enjoy a warm bowl of soup and the knowledge that your support feeds Ohio families in need.