Empty Bowls Cook County hosts its annual fundraiser meals on Thursday, November 14, at Up Yonder, 1615 W Hwy 61, Grand Marais. The simple soup lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and dinner from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Empty Bowls Cook County is a local non-profit that raises awareness of and brings solutions to food insecurity in the county. The United States Department of Agriculture defines food insecurity as the lack of access, at times, to enough food for an active, healthy life. Food insecurity is associated with numerous adverse social and health outcomes and is increasingly considered a critical public health issue.
According to the non-profit Feeding America, roughly ten percent of Cook County’s population is classified as food insecure. Almost half of them are above the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) threshold for receiving benefits.
The Empty Bowls food program was founded in 1990 by John Hartom, an art teacher at Lahser High School in Bloomfield Hills, MI. His students sought a creative way to raise funds to support a local food drive. Hartom’s idea was to organize a charitable event where his students would make ceramic bowls as serving pieces for a fundraising meal of soup and bread. Guests would pay a donation to attend the event and keep the bowl as a reminder of the meal’s purpose.
The concept of Empty Bowls quickly gained popularity, and similar events began to be held worldwide. The program has raised millions of dollars to support food banks, soup kitchens, and other organizations that fight hunger. It also serves as a powerful tool for raising awareness about the issue of hunger and food insecurity.
Beth Kennedy, a volunteer on the local group’s five-person board of directors, emphasized the urgency of the situation, saying, “We try to make the whole community aware that people are suffering (with food insecurity) in Cook County.”
In the past year, the Empty Bowls effort distributed almost $89,000 to 25 local groups requesting help. This significant contribution, all devoted to food relief efforts, is a testament to the power of community support.
The 25 recipients of Empty Bowls grants represent a diverse group of community service organizations, each with a unique approach to addressing food insecurity.
Grocery store gift cards are granted to the county public health agency and the Violence Prevention Center to help people in emergencies.
The Northwoods Food Project, which operates a public market for locally sourced foods in season, receives funds from Empty Bowls. These funds ensure that children get a $5 weekly gift card to purchase healthy foods, and seniors receive a food voucher, helping them find nutritious foods.
Operation Family Christmas, which collects and distributes Christmas gifts to many families in the county, received a $5,000 grant for grocery gift certificates to help brighten the holidays for those struggling to have enough food.
Lunch and supper on the 14th consist of soup from more than a dozen local restaurants, with a roll, water, and coffee. The leadership of Empty Bowls wants people to know that for some of our neighbors, a bowl of soup might be all they have to eat in a day.
The donation for a bowl of soup is $8. If you plan to get a refill, the donation is $14. Soup will also be packed in quarts for a $15 donation. Kids are welcome; if they’re ten or younger, they get a bowl of soup for free. There are also donated baked goods on sale.
Honoring the roots of Empty Bowls, there are hand-made bowls crafted by local artisans for sale.
According to Kennedy, the board hopes to raise $117,000 this year, ensuring each grant applicant receives the $5000 maximum contribution.
Last year, the generous support of two large benefactors, along with numerous business sponsors, individual sponsors, and table sponsors, contributed to the cause.
In the proud tradition started 34 years ago by Mr. Hartom’s art students, the five-person volunteer board members have made Cook County aware of the food insecurity crisis. In addition to Beth Kennedy, other board members include Pat Campanaro, Donna Lunke, Bobby Collins, and Terri Nelson.
The board members eagerly anticipate your participation at Up Yonder on the 14th. Your presence and support are crucial to the success of this event.
If you can’t attend but would like to donate to Empty Bowls Cook County, you can visit the website EmptyBowlsCookCounty.org or mail a check to Empty Bowls, PO Box 294, Grand Marais, MN 55604.
For more information about Empty Bowls, check out EmptyBowlsGM on Facebook or email emptybowlsccmn@gmail.com.
