“Soup-Kitchen” Fundraising Event Benefits the Franklin Food Pantry
To help the more than 1,100 individuals seeking food assistance from the Franklin Food Pantry, the Pantry is partnering with the Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club in the 4th Annual Empty Bowls Dinner on May 2, from 6 – 8 p.m. at Franklin High School. 
The dinner event, which features a simple meal of soup and bread served “soup-kitchen” style, will set the stage for community members to join in support of the Franklin Food Pantry. The open house format welcomes attendees any time between 6 – 8 p.m.
The event serves as a reminder of the many “empty bowls” that exist in the lives of those who experience hunger. The awareness and fundraising event is family-friendly and caters to all ages.
According to Amy Cataldo, the Pantry’s Interim Executive Director, “Many in our community are unaware of the level of hunger that exists in our own backyard. The number of families counting on the Pantry is the highest it’s been in four years. The need is very real. The Empty Bowls Dinner is an opportunity for our community to support our neighbors in need.”
The Pantry distributed more than 300,000 pounds of food in 2018, which was a 24 percent increase over the prior year.
Empty Bowls Club Member Megan Torey (left) and event attendee Kate Cataldo display one of the ceramic bowls during last year’s Empty Bowls Dinner.
Cataldo said the event would not be possible without the partnership of the Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club and FHS Art Teacher Brenna Johnson. “Our students are excited to be part of such a meaningful effort,” said Johnson, adviser for the Empty Bowls Club. “We have been making ceramic bowls throughout the year and have hosted bowl-making events open to the community. The hand-painted, ceramic bowls are given to attendees to take home as a reminder that “somewhere, someone’s bowl is empty.”
The event includes a silent auction featuring more elaborate pieces that have been created and painted by members of the FHS Empty Bowls Club and community members. In addition, kids of all ages will have an opportunity to make a bowl to take home with them as part of ArtWeek. Donations made via the Giving Wall will be used to purchase food for neighbors in need. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Franklin Food Pantry and will be used to fight hunger locally.
Tickets must be bought in advance and can be purchased online here. Seating is limited to 400 guests, so tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children and students.
About the Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club
Franklin High School is participating in an international charity project called Empty Bowls, which supports hunger initiatives in local communities. The objective of the Empty Bowls Club is to teach students of all ages that they can make a difference in their community. Club members, their families, along with district K-12 art teachers and their students, coupled with the Franklin community spend the year making ceramic bowls by hand. Then, the Empty Bowls Club and the Franklin Food Pantry co-host a community meal and fundraiser at FHS. All funds raised at this event are donated directly to the Franklin Food Pantry. This year, The Empty Bowls Club has received grant support from the Franklin Cultural Council and the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
