For 15 years, Empty Bowls McKinney has brought the community together around a simple but powerful idea: sharing a meal to help neighbors who might otherwise go without one.
This year, the annual event returns on April 23, with a new setting at TUPPS Brewery, offering more space and new opportunities to grow its reach while continuing its mission to fight food insecurity across McKinney.
At its core, the event remains the same: attendees purchase a ticket, select a handcrafted ceramic bowl created by local artists, and enjoy soup samples from area restaurants, all while supporting organizations working on the front lines of hunger relief.
Each bowl serves as a lasting reminder of the cause. Inside, a message encourages guests to reflect on those who face empty bowls every day. It reads, “This bowl is a reminder to pray for those in the world with empty bowls due to hunger.”
A growing mission, rooted in community
What began as a small gathering has evolved into one of the city’s most anticipated annual events, now welcoming more than 1,000 attendees.
“People in the community really love this event,” co-chair Becky Aly said. “So many people say, ‘This is my favorite event of the year.’”
That excitement lingers long after the event ends. Organizers recalled hearing from a first-time attendee who summed it up simply:
“I can’t believe we have to wait a whole year for the next event,” the attendee said.
Moments like that reflect what has helped Empty Bowls grow, not just in attendance but in impact.
Supporting those on the front lines
Proceeds from the event benefit four local partners:
- Community Garden Kitchen: has a “Dining with Dignity” program, which provides restaurant-style meals at no cost and with no questions asked
- Samaritan Inn Food Pantry: a crisis organization that serves all of Collin County with a food pantry and food distribution program
- Little Free Pantry of McKinney: the only anonymous food source in McKinney, where those in need can get food without having to say or do anything
- Community Food Pantry McKinney (new this year): a choice pantry where families can shop freely and maintain autonomy
For organizers, one of the most meaningful parts of the event is seeing how those donations are received.
“The beneficiaries are very humbled, and they’re very honored,” co-chair Molly Jones said.
Even being selected as a recipient can have a powerful impact, with nonprofit leaders expressing deep gratitude before they even know the amount they’ll receive.
Addressing a growing need
While McKinney is often associated with growth and prosperity, organizers said the need for food assistance remains significant.
“One in four students in McKinney ISD is considered food insecure,” Aly said.
They added that there is currently an additional strain on local food systems and a broader population now seeking help.
A new venue, and new opportunities
The move to TUPPS Brewery comes as the historic downtown McKinney Performing Arts Center undergoes renovations. While the change was initially logistical, it ultimately opens the door for growth.
With expanded indoor and outdoor space, the new venue allows for a more festival-style atmosphere and introduces the event to new audiences.
“What we’re excited about is that by being at TUPPS, we’re expanding our clientele,” Jones said. “There are a lot of people who go to TUPPS but are new to Empty Bowls, and there are a lot of people who attend Empty Bowls every year, but they’re new to TUPPS.”
A simple way to give back
General admission tickets are $35 and include a handmade bowl and access to food samples from local vendors. A limited Collector’s Club offers early entry, exclusive bowls and first access to food for $125.
This year’s event will feature food from vendors, including:
- Blount Fine Foods
- Bernard’s Gourmet Foods
- The Celt Irish Pub
- DonutNV
- Harvest at the Masonic
- Hugs Café
- Local Yocal BBQ & Grill
- Patina Green
- Rick’s Chophouse
- TUPPS
- Hevnly Eats
Sponsors supporting the event include:
- Blount Fine Foods (title sponsor)
- Encore Wire
- Chad Watts State Farm
- H-E-B
- Impact
- ISA
- Watters Creek Village
- Sparc
- Jump Into Art
- Glaze
- Love Life Foundation
- McKinney Lions Club
- Living Magazine
- ClickWise
- Make Expressions
Organizers also said they appreciate their many private donors.
While volunteer spots for this year are already filled, community members can still support the cause by attending, donating or spreading awareness.
Organizers emphasized that a single ticket purchase can make a meaningful difference.
“The best way people can help us is to come to the event, and if they can’t come, they can make a donation on our website,” Aly said.
More than an event
Beyond fundraising, Empty Bowls McKinney serves as a reminder of the power of community, bringing together artists, restaurants, sponsors and residents around a shared purpose.
Every detail, from the handcrafted bowls to the shared meal, reflects a collective effort to ensure fewer neighbors go hungry.
The event will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Those in the Collector’s Club can enter at 5:30 p.m.
Click here to purchase tickets, donate or learn more today.
The above story was produced by Senior Multi-Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
