Mark your calendars! The 23rd annual Tempe Empty Bowls fundraiser, presented by Tempe Community Action Agency and United Food Bank, is returning to the Community Center Courtyard near the Tempe Public Library on February 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For over two decades, the Empty Bowls fundraiser has combined art with community action to help combat food insecurity in Tempe and the surrounding communities.
To support the cause, Valley artists craft hundreds of beautiful pottery bowls, which are then put on display and are up for purchase. Community members are invited to come out, enjoy live music and a bowl of soup, which is free with the purchase of a bowl.
Created by Tempe Union High School students, teachers, local artists and the Edna Vihel Arts Center, each handcrafted bowl represents the hundreds of “empty” bowls in the communities that United Food Bank and Tempe Community Action Agency aim to fill.
“Each handcrafted bowl serves as a powerful visual reminder of the hunger issues impacting our community. For over 30,000 adults and children, the food boxes and nutritious meals provided by TCAA are a lifeline and often their primary source of sustenance,” said Deborah Arteaga, CEO of Tempe Community Action Agency. “Hunger doesn’t take a day off, and neither does our commitment to end it.”
Historically, this event has gathered over 5,000 attendees to achieve an annual fundraising goal of $30,000 which benefits the Tempe Community Action Agency and United Food Bank.
“The number of Arizonans impacted by food insecurity has seen a massive increase over the years,” CEO of United Food Bank Jason Reed said. “We are thrilled to once again to partner with Tempe Community Action Agency for the fundraiser that will help provide community members in need with reliable access to everyday meals.”
This beloved tradition began in 2002 and welcomes new and returning attendees to join the fun and combat the local food insecurity that affects individuals in their very own neighborhoods. To learn more, visit tempeemptybowls.org.
