Nourish the body and warm the soul while fighting local hunger. The public is invited to join Northland Pioneer College (NPC) for the annual “Empty Bowls” soup kitchen event, Friday, November 6, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Aspen Center, Room 103 on the Show Low campus. Reservations are not needed. All proceeds from the event will go directly to the RE:center, a local non-profit organization that works to provide vital services in our communities by increasing health, safety, and self-sufficiency.

Empty Bowls is an international grassroots effort led by artists and educators who work with the community to make one-of-a-kind hand-crafted bowls to help fight hunger. For a suggested donation of $10, diners will receive and keep a uniquely handcrafted ceramic bowl and use it for a simple meal of soup and bread. Each year, Persnikkity’s restaurant in Show Low generously donates several varieties of delicious soup, which is served with a warm, fresh portion of bread.

“A cup of hot soup and a simple slice of bread may be more than the daily meal for many who face food insecurity in our communities,” said Vicki Bessinger, NPC student and art department lab aide and organizer of this year’s event. “We ask participants to keep the bowls as a reminder of all the empty bowls in the world and as a thank you for contributing to the effort to fight local hunger.” 

This year’s event will also feature a plant and art sale to raise funds for NPC student scholarships and the student art club. Empty Bowls is first-come, first-served, and there are plenty of bowls and other items to shop for. 

Payment for the Empty Bowls event and all other sales must be made by cash or check. Digital donations can also be made to the RE:center via a QR code at the event. 

Direct questions about the Empty Bowls project and event to Vicki Bessinger at Vicki.Bessinger@npc.edu.