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.

“We are swimming as fast as we can to meet the needs of those coming in from all around Bastrop County,” she said.

The Bastrop County Emergency Food Pantry served more than 5,000 residents last year and distributed nearly 500,000 pounds of food, Silva said. That figure triples when accounting for families who return multiple times for assistance.

The Empty Bowl Project is part of a nationwide grassroots movement that uses a simple meal to raise awareness about hunger and help fund local emergency food programs. Proceeds from the event support pantry services for residents facing hunger, poverty or sudden crisis.

According to the organization, more than one in seven county residents lives in poverty.

“It’s an event we spearhead, but we cannot make it happen without community support,” Silva said, adding the event’s longevity reflects its strong community ties. “It’s something entire families can enjoy together, and it brings people back year after year.”

Local artists create and donate bowls, businesses sponsor the fundraiser and more than 60 volunteers help run it. Students from Elgin and Bastrop also paint bowls while learning about service and food insecurity.

“Having so many different folks involved in the project helps get the word out,” Silva said. “It really does have a lot of connectivity amongst the community.”

The event includes a “battle of the ladles” competition featuring local chefs, with judges selecting winners and attendees voting for a fan favorite. A silent auction, Yeti package raffle and live performances are also planned.

Proceeds will support the pantry’s education and counseling efforts aimed at reducing hunger countywide.

“I hope people remember they’re helping their neighbor — whether that neighbor lost a job, is ill or simply can’t make ends meet — your donation makes a real difference,” Silva said.

The event runs from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, at the Bastrop Convention Center, 1408 Chestnut St.

Tickets can be purchased at the pantry office, 806 Fayette St., at bastropfoodpantry.org, or at the door. Each adult ticket includes a ceramic soup bowl decorated by local students and unlimited samples of soups, stews and chili donated by local restaurants.