CLARKSVILLE, TN − Warm your body and soul this February by attending the 17th annual Empty Bowls fundraising event. The goal of Empty Bowls is to raise awareness about hunger in our community while supporting Urban Ministries, Loaves & Fishes, and Manna Cafe.

One in five adults and one in four children in our community experience food insecurity. Local agencies are experiencing the growing demand for food and services in the current economy.

Between February 9 and February 23, twelve local churches and organizations will be offering either lunch or dinner events. The public is invited to attend any of the locations and enjoy a tasty meal of homecooked soup, along with bread and dessert — and take home a hand-painted bowl. Each location will offer a variety of delicious soups, including vegetarian options.

People have participated in bowl painting parties throughout the community to create one-of-a-kind pieces for guests to enjoy. “These beautiful bowls are more than just a utilitarian piece. Each one is a reminder of the empty bowls in our community as many of our neighbors struggle with feeding their families,” explains Vicki York of Manna Cafe. “The painting parties are especially meaningful. It is wonderful to watch each person leave with a feeling of knowing they are giving hope to so many in need of food.”

Local businesses and organizations are encouraged to show the community that they are a proud partner in feeding, clothing, and providing daily necessities to the disadvantaged in Clarksville-Montgomery County. Sponsorship Includes: Logo/branding on Empty Bowls publicity and promotional materials, event signage, tickets to Empty Bowls lunch/dinner of your choice, rights to use Empty Bowls information/logo in company promotional materials including your organization/company website. To see how you can help sponsor simply go to the event website at EmptyBowlsClarksville.com.

For only $15 you receive more than a hearty meal — you also provide hot meals and food boxes to thousands in our community who struggle with putting food on their tables. Tickets can be purchased online at emptybowlsclarksville.com/tickets or at any participating meal site.

Empty Bowls dates and sites

  • Lunch hours: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
  • Dinner hours: 4:30 p.m.-7 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 9

  • First Presbyterian (lunch)

Sunday, Feb. 16

  • Gateway Christian Church (dinner)
  • Madison St. UMC (lunch)

Tuesday, Feb. 18

  • Grace Lutheran (lunch)
  • Sango UMC (dinner)
  • Trinity Episcopal (lunch)
  • Grace Community (lunch)

Thursday, Feb. 20

  • New Providence UMC (lunch)

Friday, Feb. 21

  • The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Sango (dinner)

Saturday, Feb. 22

  • Hilldale UMC (lunch)
  • Salem Community Church (dinner)

Sunday, Feb. 23

  • Loaves & Fishes (lunch)