Slated for Sunday, March 26, this year’s Empty Bowls event will serve up a community meal to nearly 1,900 people in an effort to help end hunger across the region.
Taking place at Rodef Shalom Congregation in Oakland, the event will offer a meal of soup and bread benefiting Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and Just Harvest. In addition to the meal, attendees will select a ceramic bowl made by local artisans to take home as a reminder of our neighbors facing hunger.
“Neighbors across our region are struggling to make ends meet amidst soaring inflation,” shared Lisa Scales, president and CEO of the Food Bank. “Through the Empty Bowls event we hope to bring the community together to provide much needed support for the community.”
This year’s event will continue to encourage social distancing by spreading guests out across three seatings and an increased Soup & Bowl Takeout option. Each seating will accommodate 500 dine-in guests and 125 Soup & Bowl Takeout guests. Seating times for the event are 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.; 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.; and 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
“With the federal SNAP Emergency Allotments ending this month in Pennsylvania, households getting food stamps are going to have their monthly food budgets cut by an average $92 per person starting in March,” shared Ken Regal, executive director of Just Harvest. “As a result, hunger will almost certainly rise from already high levels, so our community joining together for this event comes at a critical time.”
Another key player in Empty Bowls is Arthur Inzinga. Art runs the culinary program at the Community College of Allegheny County and has assisted with the catering for Empty Bowls with the help of his students for the past seven years. The partnership originated as a chance to promote CCAC’s culinary program while also supporting a charity he has often admired, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. One of the things Art appreciates about Empty Bowls is the way it encapsulates the diversity and culture of the city of Pittsburgh.
“It isn’t every day that you find Italian soup served in a Jewish Temple”, quips Art. With more than forty different recipes of soup served at Empty Bowls, guests have the opportunity to sample Pittsburgh rich culinary history. Art also mentioned that the vegan and vegetarian options and particularly stellar, especially the green lentil chili.
This goes to show what can happen when communities join together when faced with a shared mission, in this case ending food insecurity. Barriers are broken down and new recipes are shared. Perspectives are shifted and families remember what’s most important. As Art puts it, “Empty Bowls doesn’t just nourish your body; it also nourishes your soul”.
The event also features a ceramic bowl auction in which pottery artists in the area get the chance to showcase their brilliant work. These bowls have in fact garnered a dedicated following amongst community members who frequently attend the event. By combining art, food and community, Empty Bowls continues to be a wonderful gathering of friends, families and vendors that all share a common goal: ensuring all our neighbors have the food they need to thrive today, tomorrow and for a lifetime.
We hope to see you there!
Do you serve gluten free soup?
Hello Nancy! Yes, every year we have vegan, vegetarian & gluten-free options available. 🙂
Who created those soups? The Thai corn chowder was delicious ,I need to to have it again. Can you please tell me where I can get it.
Who created those soups? The Thai corn chowder was delicious ,I need to to have it again. Can you please tell me where I can get it. Thank you, this is the best event ❤️
Hello Denise! The Thai corn chowder soup was from Soba (https://soba.kitchen/). We’re so glad to hear that you loved the event & the soup! We hope to see you again next year.