Supporting food security by filling Empty Bowls
Kristin Coppens
| 2 min read
“Put good food to good use.”
This motto is the driving force behind the Empty Bowls fundraiser, which supports fighting hunger and food shortage in several Michigan communities. The Empty Bowls fundraiser in Traverse City takes place on April 13th, from 11am to 2pm, benefiting Food Rescue and Goodwill Industries of Northern Michigan.
So how does it work? Community members are invited to donate bowls to be used at the event. The bowls can be decorated and made from any medium—like ceramic, glass or wood. During the event, guests are welcome to pick a bowl, fill it with various soup samples from area restaurants, and enjoy mingling while supporting a great cause. There will also be a silent auction with donations from area businesses and artists benefiting Food Rescue.
One of the businesses supplying soup this year is Oryana Natural Foods Market, a food co-op located in Traverse City.
“The purpose of Oryana is to provide high quality food produced in ecologically sound ways at fair value to member-owners and the community,” explains Oryana Marketing and Communications Manager, Marika BeVier.
Created by the Board of Oryana, the vision of the co-op places importance in events like Empty Bowls. In 2013, Oryana contributed to over 200 different community organizations, events and specific individuals.
BeVier says, “Supporting community causes isn’t just something we take lightly or dabble in—doing so is the core reason for our existence!”
For the Empty Bowls event, Oryana is a financial sponsor, will donate a gift basket for the silent auction, and is providing 40 quarts of chili. As Oryana continues to support the Northern Michigan community, their events page of the website highlights other opportunities for individuals to get involved. Oryana “always has a lot going on, like in-store demos, tours, kids events, educational seminars, and more,” explains BeVier.
You can still purchase tickets to attend this year’s Empty Bowls event at Oryana, through Goodwill Industries of Northern Michigan, or online.
Photo credit: Frederick FN Noronha
