The concept for “Empty Bowls” started in the early 90’s with Bloomfield Hills, Michigan high school students and their art teacher, John Hartom. In an effort to help out with the local food drive they threw, decorated and fired 120 bowls. The school’s staff was invited to the cafeteria to select a bowl and enjoy a simple meal of soup and bread. John and his wife, Lisa Blackburn, talked to the staff about hunger in their community, thanked them for their cash donations and then asked them to take their bowls home with them as a reminder of those with empty bowls. There are now “Empty Bowls” projects all over the world.

In 2015 Winfield Art & Humanities Council held it's first Empty Bowls dinner at Grace United Methodist Church and $3,000 was raised and donated to the Winfield Food Pantry.  Intereset has grown and it is now being held at Baden Square Community Center the last few years.  This year it is on November 8th at 700 Gary St. from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Participants may purchase a custom designed bowl by local artists for $15 each or 2 for $25, and dine on the wide variety of soups donated by fine local restaurants .

Observing covid safety protocols, seating will be limited, but carry-out will be available.

All profits benefit the Winfield Food Pantry.

The empty bowls serve as reminders of those with empty bowls in the world and in our area.