RI Food Bank's 2nd Annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser Slated for September 23

​On September 23, the Rhode Island Community Food Bank will host its second Empty Bowls, an annual event that brings together more than 750 Rhode Islanders to raise awareness and much needed funds to ensure that no one in our state goes hungry. Last year’s event raised more than $85,000 to support the Food Bank and its 160 member agencies across Rhode Island.
 
At Empty Bowls, guests taste samples of soup, bread and dessert from more than 35 local restaurants at this casual, family-friendly event. Each guest chooses a handmade artisanal bowl created by a local artist. They get to keep their bowl as a reminder that their support helps fill all the empty bowls in our community. 

“In addition to raising much needed funds for the Food Bank, the event brings together so many different parts of the community: artists, the restaurant industry, and our friends and supporters,” said Food Bank CEO Andrew Schiff. “It speaks to the work that we do every day to bring people together to end hunger in Rhode Island.”
 
The event will be held at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet in Cranston from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $40 in advance and $45 at the door. Special Patron Admission is $150 and includes VIP bowl selection and one free drink. Additional bowls will be available for purchase in our Collector’s Corner.
 
Food insecurity continues to impact the lives of so many Rhode Islanders, especially in distressed communities and among vulnerable populations like children and seniors. Each month, the RI Community Food Bank serves 59,000 clients through a network of 160 member agencies located across the state. Empty Bowls raises funds to provide food to our neighbors as it brings awareness to the need for food assistance in our community.
 
Empty Bowls is possible thanks to the generous support of Citizens Bank, the Hearty Stew Presenting Sponsor and our Media Sponsor, NBC 10. All proceeds from the event benefit the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.