Ponoka Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) held another successful Empty Bowls event on Sept. 26, at the Ponoka Legion.
The 290 unique bowls made by the Ponoka Potter Guild were all sold out and soup ran out by just after 12 p.m., thanks to the enthusiastic support of the community, according to FCSS program and home support coordinator Shelly Van Eaton.
FCSS said there was a “packed house,” and even after the soup ran out, people continued to buy bowls and took a bun and water and “raced back to work.”
The annual event raises awareness about hunger and those who struggle to fill their own bowls. The proceeds go towards combating food insecurity in the local community.
“The soup pots being empty was a true reflection of what Empty Bowls is all about … hunger,” said FCSS in a Facebook post.
Deserts that were donated also ran out quickly.
“Again, people wondered if there were more to put out on the table … again, there weren’t. We put out what is donated and it sure made us all think about when there is no more, that is it. That is the case for many who are hungry.”
Before soup was served, there was an interagency meeting, which saw about 30 agencies participate. Some organizations set up a booth in the auditorium during the event to share information with the public about their services.
