Empty Bowls Fundraiser Sees Skyrocketing Support
funds raised in drive-through event go to Feed My People Food Bank
Empty bowls, full hearts. That’s the mission of the 21st annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser, which raises funds for Feed My People Food Bank, which seeks to address food insecurity in the Chippewa Valley.
This weeklong drive-through fundraiser will run from March 1-6, where those who purchased a ticket online (give.fmpfoodbank.org/EmptyBowlsWeek) can pick up a unique gift bag from their vehicle at Feed My People. Gift bags include a locally made bowl, coupons from past food vendors, and unique soup recipes from local chefs. This year, all tickets will be sold ahead of time, so snag your tickets ahead of time!
Locals can also participate in a virtual silent auction from Feb. 25 to March 6, which includes particularly unique creations available for bid.
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We have heard repeatedly from guests that many of them are experiencing food insecurity for the first time ever as a direct result of job loss and other economic disruptions caused by the pandemic.
SUSIE HAUGLEY
COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST, FEED MY PEOPLE FOOD BANK
According to Susie Haugley, communications specialist at Feed My People, more than 500 bowls from the 4 Potters from the Center, Chippewa Valley Woodturners Guild, Chippewa Falls Senior High School, Altoona middle and high schools, Augusta Area middle and high schools, and Hayward High School will be featured at this year’s event via their traditional bowl gift bag, available for $20. Feed My People Food Bank also commissioned Scheelhouse Pottery in St. Paul to create a signature bowl available for $25.
A third ticket option is available for $10: Called “Bowl with a Bow,” it gifts a bowl directly to a senior experiencing food insecurity. Already 200 of these gifts have been sold.
“We have had more sponsorships from local businesses and families than ever before,” Haugley said, “which puts us on track to making this our largest fundraiser ever. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of so many.”
Every dollar donated provides four meals to neighbors in need, Haugley said, and this year Chippewa Vallians are experiencing more food insecurity than before. In 2020, 8.4 million pounds of food were distributed through Feed My People, which is 1.8 million more pounds than in 2019. That is a 27% increase, which is a steep jump in comparison to previous years, Haugley said.
“We have heard repeatedly from guests that many of them are experiencing food insecurity for the first time ever as a direct result of job loss and other economic disruptions caused by the pandemic,” she said. This year, a total of 2,500 Empty Bowls tickets are available for purchase.
Check out more information about this event on the Feed My People website.
