Home / Lifestyle / Empty Bowls Serve Hope: $145K Fuels Community Kitchens
Empty Bowls Serve Hope: $145K Fuels Community Kitchens
26 Feb
Summary
- Over $145,000 donated to 23 local food pantries and kitchens.
- Empty Bowls organization makes and sells handcrafted bowls.
- Annual soup and bread luncheon is a key fundraising event.

Empty Bowls Monongalia has made a significant impact by donating $145,000 to 23 food pantries and kitchens throughout Morgantown and Monongalia County. This substantial contribution aims to combat the pressing issue of food insecurity, where an estimated one in five children in West Virginia experiences hunger.
The organization's unique approach involves volunteers creating handcrafted bowls, which are then sold. These bowls are offered at the annual Empty Bowls Soup and Bread Luncheon, an event designed to raise awareness and funds.
The 2026 Empty Bowls Soup and Bread Luncheon is scheduled for Saturday at the Hazel and J.W. Ruby Community Center in Mylan Park. This event is crucial for sustaining the organization's efforts to feed those in need.
Beyond its charitable mission, the luncheon also features a diverse menu of soups, ranging from classic comfort foods to more adventurous flavors, prepared by restaurants and home cooks. A dedicated volunteer, Kim Shiemke, emphasizes the event's commitment to minimizing waste through recycling and composting.




