Hosted by Ponoka FCSS, the 'Empty Bowls' event has again gone a long way in strengthening local food security, organizers say.
"It was a great event, and a lot of food was donated," said Shelly Van Eaton, FCSS program manager.
Empty Bowls, which also followed an inter-agency meeting, was held Sept. 24 at the First Baptist Church. Van Eaton said the church was very accommodating and a beautiful facility to hold the event in as well.
At ‘Empty Bowls,’ folks pick up a hand-made pottery bowl from the Ponoka Potters Guild for $20 and enjoy a bowl of soup, a bun, and a treat — all of which is donated by local businesses and organizations.
"Ponoka FCSS also donates money for the bowls, and the guild always donates it back."
Van Eaton said there was also a special cake at the event to honour both the Ponoka FCSS's 50th anniversary in the community, and the organization's 15-year partnership with the potters guild.
Altogether, about 160 people came by for some soup, and 184 bowls were sold. Of course, volunteer support is crucial to the event's success, she said.
"If we didn't have our volunteers - who work so diligently - this event would never happen."
Van Eaton said it's also all part of an international initiative.
The idea is that every time you take your bowl out of your cupboard, you will think about the food insecurity within your own community, she added.
The event has been held in Ponoka since 2002, and local support has always been tremendous, she said.
"It does make people think about food insecurity, and the struggle that is out there. The generosity of our community definitely helps (local) families, and the people who are in need," she said, adding there is always a joyful atmosphere at the event.
"It's one of our happiest events of the year, she said, adding all the leftovers went to the Ponoka United Church for their regular lunches held each week.
"We have watched many people's quality of life change for the better when helping them get through some of the hard parts, and helping them get set up a little better where we can," she said, pointing to what ultimately inspires her in her work as part of the FCSS team.
"That's my inspiration and why I'm in this position. It's also about easing frustrations in complicated journeys that sometimes used to be simple," she said.
"When we go through it together, it makes it a little more bearable. And when you can feel the positive impact you have made on people's physical, mental, and emotional well-being, it feels good."
