FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jessica Sund
Director of Development and Communications
507-424-1729
[email protected]
September 22, 2025
ROCHESTER, Minn.—Pre-orders are now open for the 21st Annual Empty Bowls October 21-22, a fundraiser for Channel One Regional Food Bank that is presented by Think Bank.
Participants in this year’s Empty Bowls event can enjoy a variety of gourmet soups—including Chicken Gouda Wild Rice and Coconut Carrot Curry—prepared by local restaurants. Each order can include a hand-painted bowl, serving as a meaningful reminder of our neighbors who may not know where their next meal will come from.
“We’re facing unprecedented demand at our area food shelves, with more than 34,000 households visiting in July alone. With a significant decrease in donations from government, corporate, and national sources, it is becoming increasingly difficult to ensure our neighbors get enough food throughout our region,” said Virginia Witherspoon, Channel One Regional Food Bank executive director. “Right now, we need to come together as a community through efforts like this to raise awareness and support for our neighbors experiencing food insecurity.”
Last year, Empty Bowls raised over $91,000, providing critical funding to programs that address food insecurity across 14 counties in southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. With needs growing this year, every purchase of soup makes a real difference.
In addition to the hand-painted bowls, attendees can also purchase unique specialty bowls crafted by local artisans, available through pre-orders and at the event.
Empty Bowls is pre-order only. Soup orders will close on October 16 at noon.
Learn more about Empty Bowls To-Go and place a soup order at HelpingFeedPeople.org/Empty-Bowls.
###
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, 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 100 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.
