Waynesburg U. holds Empty Bowls event to fight local food insecurity

Sponsored by the Waynesburg University Center for Service Leadership, the annual Empty Bowls fundraiser returned on March 22, drawing community members to The Way Community Center on High Street from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for an afternoon centered around food, generosity and giving back. The event once again brought together supporters of all ages to help fight food insecurity in Greene County.

With the purchase of a ticket, attendees received a handcrafted ceramic bowl to take home, symbolizing the mission of the event and serving as a reminder of those facing hunger. Guests also enjoyed a variety of soups, drinks and desserts, creating a welcoming and community-focused atmosphere throughout the day.

In addition to the meal, participants had the opportunity to purchase tickets for raffle baskets, adding an extra element of excitement while further supporting the cause. The combination of food, fellowship and fundraising made for a successful and engaging event.

All proceeds from Empty Bowls benefit the Community Foundation of Greene County, specifically supporting the Weekend Backpack Program. This initiative provides local students in need with bags of food every Friday, helping ensure they have access to meals over the weekend when school resources are unavailable.

"The Empty Bowls event really warms my heart - it's inspiring to see the community come together to address hunger, support children in need, and step up with such generosity and compassion," said Grace Hyland, Bonner Program coordinator. "I truly loved planning and hosting this event."

Through strong community support and continued participation, Empty Bowls remains a meaningful tradition that makes a direct impact on the lives of children in Greene County. Hyland hopes to host the event again in April. If you would like to attend or donate to the event, or if you have questions, contact Hyland at [email protected] or 724-852-3318.