September 25, 2024 3:05 a.m. 

Feeding Umpqua, a program of the United Community Action Network, has scheduled their Empty Bowls Project Dinner fundraiser for Monday, October 7th at the Joyce Morgan Food Distribution Center on UCAN’s campus.

Empty Bowls is an international grassroots effort to fight hunger and was created by The Imagine Reader Group. The basic premise is simple: Potters and other craftspeople work with the community to create handcrafted bowls. Attendees select a bowl and then enjoy a meal of soup and bread. At the end of the evening, they can choose to keep their bowl as a reminder of all the empty bowls in the community or donate it back for future years.

Locally, funds raised from the event will support Feeding Umpqua, which distributes nearly two million pounds of food annually to over 35 food sites throughout Douglas County. Every month, approximately 98,000 meals are provided to people in the local community.

Over a dozen local restaurants and businesses are participating and donating to this year’s dinner. Feeding Umpqua will also be making a dessert soup.

The evening will also include music and wine.

Feeding Umpqua Director Sarah McGregor said, “Since starting the event in 2017, this event has brought together so many people in the community that care about ending hunger.” McGregor said, “This year our goal is to raise $50,000 to help feed hope in Douglas County. With the rising costs of food, the need has never been greater.”

Tickets are $35 per person in advance and $40 at the door. They can be purchased online at: www.ucanfillemptybowls.com

For more information about UCAN and Feeding Umpqua, go to: www.ucancap.org