The annual event sells handcrafted bowls donated by the community, and organizers say it’s meant to help those battling food insecurity.
BOISE, Idaho — With roughly 13% of Idahoans facing food insecurity, the Idaho Foodbank says the need for support is rising — and this weekend’s annual Empty Bowls fundraiser brought hundreds of people to the Boise Towne Square Mall to help meet that demand.
The two-day event, which has been held for nearly 30 years, features handcrafted and hand-painted bowls created and donated by community members. Each bowl sold symbolizes the Idaho families struggling to fill their own.
“We’ve seen that percentage of people facing food insecurity in the state go up in recent years,” said Corinne Hughes, the Idaho Foodbank’s community engagement specialist. She said the organization now serves about 216,000 Idahoans every month, a number driven higher by inflation and the recent government shutdown.
The bowls start at $15, and Hughes said every purchase helps provide up to 45 meals for families in need. The Foodbank set a goal of selling 1,000 bowls each day — the equivalent of 45,000 meals.
The fundraiser drew steady crowds. About 500 bowls were sold Friday, and more than 800 on Saturday, thanks in part to repeat visitors like 14-year-old volunteer Fiona Dorn.
“Every year, it’s been a tradition in my family to get at least one bowl,” Dorn said. “Once I was old enough, I realized I could volunteer. It feels really good to help.”
Other shoppers stumbled upon the event while looking for holiday gifts. Presley Moriarity said the handmade pottery drew her in, but the mission kept her there. “When I learned about the message, I thought this is even better,” she said.
Friend Malina Leon agreed. “These are beautiful pieces of art,” she said. “Knowing we’re supporting something for a good cause is really heartwarming.”
Although Sunday marked the final day of the Empty Bowls event, the Idaho Foodbank accepts donations year-round at idahofoodbank.org or at its Meridian warehouse.
Dining and Cooking