The Santa Barbara County Foodbank hosted Empty Bowls community fundraiser to combat food insecurity

LOMPOC, Calif. - The Santa Barbara County Foodbank hosted its 17th Lompoc Empty Bowls Community Fundraiser on Wednesday after a two-year hiatus.

The fundraiser was held at the Dick DeWees Community and Senior Center in Lompoc.

People were served soup in over 400 colorful handmade bowls that participants were able to take home. Santa Barbara County Second District Supervisor Gregg Hart and Third District Supervisor Joan Hartmann participated in the soup serving. The fundraiser benefits Lompoc residents facing food hunger.

The foodbank raised around $60,000, well above its anticipated goal of $45,000, according to spokeswoman Judith Smith-Meyer. Organizers said the event had the best turn-out they have ever seen.

All money raised will go to provide groceries and fresh produce to Lompoc residents who are facing hunger and food insecurity.