Annual Empty Bowls fundraiser was Soup-er successful

LOMPOC, Calif. – One bowl, two bowls, red bowl, blue bowl-- more than 350 community members gather for the annual Empty Bowls fundraiser held by the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County.

Slurping to success, the event reached its donation goal of $50,000 through ticket sales, sponsorships, raffle tickets, succulent plant sales, and a silent auction.

Guests lined up early to attend the luncheon, arriving before the 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. seatings.

A wide selection of hand-crafted bowls, most made by art students, were sold at the event. Each guest keeps their own colorful bowl to serve as a reminder of Empty Bowls’ purpose – to provide food for our neighbors facing food insecurity.

Clam chowder, tomato bisque, and minestrone were a few of the soups served by local chefs.

All proceeds raised from the event go towards supporting the Lompoc community, emphasizing the importance of fresh produce and nutrition education to local residents facing food insecurity.

The next Empty Bowls fundraiser will take place in Santa Maria on October 18.