The Empty Bowl Project to raise awareness of local hunger needs at March event in Smithville

The Smithville Empty Bowl Project will be held at the Smithville Recreation Center on March 23. Taking place annually for over a decade, The Empty Bowl Project helps raise awareness of local hunger and health needs.

The following local organizations came together to host the event:

• The Smithville Food Pantry
• Smithville Community Gardens
• Lost Pines Artisans' Alliance
• Smithville Community Clinic
• S. Williams Angels Unaware Ministry

Pursuing a more holistic outlook on health, money raised at the event will be divided between the five hosting organizations to help combat hunger needs in the area.

Jill Strube is one of the original founders of The Smithville Empty Bowl Project. Hunger needs are still present in Bastrop County as over 50% of Smithville ISD students are eligible for free and reduced-price lunches, Strube said.

The local food pantries will use the donated funds to help feed low-income families in the area.

“It's been quite a great program, which keeps on expanding and serving more people in the community,” Strube said. “It's been really just an honor and a privilege for me to be part of this program.”

What to expect

A ticket to the event ensures attendees their choice of the 12-15 different soups from local restaurants. Tickets are $20 per bowl of soup or $40 for a sampler of three different soups.

With the ticket, attendees will be given a drink, a roll and a bowl hand-painted by Smithville junior and senior high school students.

Sponsors for the event are welcome. Sponsorships over $100 will receive a specially painted bowl by local artists.

“[The artists] always come up with something really interesting,” Strube said. “[The bowls] always look great, very imaginative, and there's none of them [that] are the same. They're all completely unique little pieces.”

• March 23, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• $20-$40 (admission)
• Smithville Recreation Center, 106 Royston St., Smithville
• www.smithvilleemptybowl.org