Empty Bowl Project looks to sate food insecurity

The Bastrop County Emergency Food Pantry this month is setting the table for a community fundraiser organizers say is needed now more than ever.

The 21st annual Bastrop Empty Bowl Project returns with a Super Bowl theme Jan. 24 amid a surge in food assistance demand, according to pantry Executive Director Tresha Silva. The nonprofit reported a 50% increase in requests for help following the recent federal government shutdown, which has since ended.

Silva reported one week alone brought 120 first-time visitors seeking food assistance.