FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jessica Sund
Director of development and communications
507-424-1729
[email protected]
October 11, 2024
ROCHESTER, Minn.—$90,00 was raised from the 20th annual Empty Bowls To-Go fundraiser presented by Channel One Regional Food Bank and Think Bank October 8-9.
Empty Bowls To-Go provided participants with a to-go style experience of gourmet soups and bread from five 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. Channel One would like to thank its sponsors, restaurants, and community members for supporting this impactful event for a 20th year.
“We are so appreciative of the outpouring of support from the community for this event,” said Virginia Witherspoon, Channel One Regional Food Bank executive director. “Channel One relies on fundraising events like Empty Bowls To-Go during this heightened need to continue to provide fresh, healthy food to our neighbors facing food insecurity.”
This increased need is seen in new shoppers—people who have never needed assistance before—and in total household visits. Last year, Channel One saw on average 300 new households a month. In July 2024, we broke our record with 506 total new households. In Channel One’s 14-county region, there was a 37% increase in monthly household visits in the first half of 2024 compared to the same time in 2023. By comparison, the first half of 2024 had an 82% increase in monthly household visits compared to the first half of 2022.
The funds raised from this year’s Empty Bowls To-Go—which equals approximately 224,500 meals for neighbors—will support Channel One’s mission to strengthen food access and build healthy communities in its 14-county region in southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. As the largest hunger relief organization outside of the Twin Cities, Channel One and its partner food shelves, pantries, and programs provide food assistance to those who are experiencing food insecurity.
Learn more about Channel One Regional Food Bank and its programs.
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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, 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 125 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.
