Empty Bowls Dinner Promotes Hunger Awareness

With more than 1,000 individuals seeking food assistance from the Franklin Food Pantry, a movement is underway to educate the community about the level and impact of hunger in Franklin. A dinner featuring a simple meal of soup and bread will set the stage for community members to learn more about the true effects of hunger.
The 2nd Annual Empty Bowls Dinner on May 2, from 6 – 8 p.m. at Franklin High School will remind guests of the many “empty bowls” that exist in the lives of those who experience hunger. The awareness and fundraising event, co-hosted by the Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club and the Franklin Food Pantry, is a family-friendly event and caters to all ages.
“We hope attendees gain a better awareness of the impact of hunger in our community,” says Erin Lynch, executive director of the Franklin Food Pantry. “Reducing hunger leads to a healthier community. If you aren’t hungry, you can focus on helping your kids with their homework; you have more energy to look for a job; your kids do better in school. If we can work together to help our neighbors in need, our community will be stronger.”
Lynch said she is grateful for the partnership with the Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club. Students have been making ceramic bowls throughout the year to be used at the dinner. They have also hosted bowl-making events open to the community.
“Our students are excited to be part of such a meaningful effort,” said Brenna Johnson, FHS art teacher and advisor for the Empty Bowls Club. “In addition to making the bowls, they will volunteer the night of the event. They were a huge help at our first dinner held last year which was a sell-out success and attracted 250 people. We are thrilled to be able to accommodate 350 attendees this year!”
Event participants will choose a hand-painted, ceramic bowl to take home as a reminder that “somewhere, someone’s bowl is empty.” A silent auction will feature more elaborate pieces that have been created and painted by members of the FHS Empty Bowls Club and community members. Donations made via the Giving Wall will be used to purchase food for neighbors in need. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Franklin Food Pantry and will be used to fight hunger locally.
Tickets must be bought in advance online at www.franklinfoodpantry.org. Seating is limited to 350 guests so tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Depending on advance ticket sales, tickets may be available at the door. The cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children and students.
Empty Bowls is an international grass roots effort to fight hunger and raise funds to support local pantries. The Franklin Food Pantry and the FHS Empty Bowls Club work together to support the cause locally. For more information on the dinner, visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org or call (508) 528-3115.