Nearly one in five people in Jackson and Macon counties fall beneath the poverty line, and one in four children in Western North Carolina face hunger on a regular basis. On October 4, join the International Friendship Center’s Highlands Food Pantry and Highlands First Presbyterian Church, as they host the 10th Annual Empty Bowls event to fight hunger in our community.
Handmade bowls made by artists at The Bascom are available through ticket purchase and silent auction. Pictured above are bowls sold at last year’s Empty Bowl’s event.
Now more than ever, the Food Pantry needs help to keep people from having empty bowls on their tables.
The highly anticipated event typically takes place inside the First Presbyterian Church, staffed by a group of volunteers. Due to COVID-19 precautions and an effort to keep volunteers and supporters healthy, Empty Bowls will not be an in-person event this year.
Organizers are working to create a drive-thru event to safely offer handmade ceramic bowls provided by The Bascom along with delicious soups and dessert. For a donation of $25, you will receive a bowl of soup and dessert provided by these generous local chefs and restaurants:
- Old Edwards Inn & Madison’s Restaurant
- Marty Rosenfield
- Lakeside Restaurant
- Kristy Lewis & the Highlands United Methodist Church
- Four65 Woodfire Bistro & Bar
People can also support Empty Bowls by participating in this year’s silent auction, which will showcase a variety of fine, handcrafted items donated by talented artists. Auction items will be on display at Smitten, located at 468 Main Street in Highlands, from Sept. 27 to Oct. 10.
The Food Pantry is staffed by more than 70 volunteers, and feeds more than 4,000 people each year. Before the pandemic, the pantry served an average of 65 families each week. This number has since increased to an average of 70-80 per week, a number typically not seen until winter months set in. The donations from the annual Empty Bowls event will help the Food Pantry serve families throughout the year.
To purchase tickets and to learn more about the Highlands Food Pantry, click HERE. Read about last year’s Empty Bowls HERE.
About the International Friendship Center:
The International Friendship Center is a 501c (3) organization facilitating services that bridge the gap between struggle and security for people in hardship. In partnership with our communities, the IFC helps provide opportunities for adults and children to obtain basic human and social needs as well as assistance with challenges facing immigrants.
Pictured at the top of the article are volunteers from last year’s Empty Bowls event.