Grace Presbyterian Church will host its 17th annual “Empty Bowls” fundraiser for the Table of Grace food pantry on Tuesday, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the church’s Fellowship Hall. The food pantry serves nearly 2,500 community residents per month.
For a suggested donation of $25, attendees will receive a handcrafted ceramic bowl made by ceramic students at The University of Alabama and other local artists, as well as a meal of soup, bread and water. An additional bowl of soup to go will also be available for $5.
Organizers say the event serves as both a fundraiser and a reminder of food insecurity in West Alabama, with the empty bowl symbolizing hunger needs in the community. Proceeds from the event go directly towards providing food for those in need.
“Since we opened our new market-style pantry in 2023, we have been incredibly grateful for the community’s support,” said Emily Altman, executive director of Table of Grace, in a press release. “This is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and the funds raised through Empty Bowls will help us continue fighting food insecurity in Tuscaloosa.”
The Empty Bowls movement began in 1990 when a Michigan high school art teacher and his students created ceramic bowls to raise money for a food drive. Guests were served a simple meal and invited to keep their bowls as a reminder of global hunger. Today, Empty Bowls events are held nationwide to support food relief efforts.
In Tuscaloosa, this year’s fundraiser is made possible by contributions from the University’s Department of Art and History, Red Dog Potters, and local restaurants and businesses.
Tickets will be available at the door for a recommended $25 donation, through cash, check, credit card or mobile payment. Donations will also be accepted online at the organization’s website.
