FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jessica Sund
Director of Development and Communications
[email protected]
September 11, 2023
Rochester, Minnesota—Channel One Regional Food Bank and Think Bank are excited to partner on the 19th Annual Empty Bowls To-Go fundraiser October 10-11, for which orders are now open.
Participants will enjoy gourmet soups—like potato gouda and bacon chicken wild rice—from eight local restaurants as well as hand-painted bowls, serving as a reminder of those who may not know where their next meal will come from.
“Empty Bowls To-Go continues to be a great success because it allows for more flexible participation, from bringing soup home to the family or enjoying with colleagues at work,” said Virginia Witherspoon Merritt, Channel One Regional Food Bank executive director. “This event is more important than ever as we are seeing a record increased need at Channel One: More than 6,800 household visits were recorded in July, with 362 of these being first-time visits.”
Last year, the Empty Bowls event raised more than $86,000 for Channel One to increase food security for community neighbors in 14 counties in southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin.
In addition to the hand-painted memento bowls, people may purchase a unique specialty bowl crafted by local artisans.
Empty Bowls To-Go orders will close at 7 p.m. October 4.
Learn more about Empty Bowls To-Go 2023 and submit an order here.
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About Channel One Regional Food Bank
Channel One Regional Food Bank, a member of Feeding America, strengthens food access and builds healthy communities. Channel One operates food programs to serve local and area needs such as: a food bank, a food shelf, mobile pantries, Childhood Hunger Programs, Kitchen Coalition and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). Channel One Regional Food Bank mobilizes organizations, volunteers, and donors to serve the network of over 160 nonprofit programs that provide food for children, adults, and families in need. Channel One serves 14 counties across southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. For more information, call 507.287.2350 or visit helpingfeedpeople.org.
