Organizers of the Empty Bowls Project have amassed about 75 bowls that will be filled with homemade soup this weekend to benefit the Hays County Food Bank. (photo by Jen Biundo)
by Jen Biundo
It may be just a simple meal of soup, bread and water, but it’s gourmet soup, homemade bread and all for a good cause – plus, you get to keep the bowl.
This Sunday, Feb. 21, from 4-6 p.m., the first Buda/Kyle Empty Bowls Project will serve up soup at Casa Alde restaurant on Buda’s Main Street to benefit the Hays County Food Bank.
As the recession deepened and unemployment rates skyrocketed, many social service non-profits across the nation reported rising demand, and the Hays County Food Bank was no exception.
Between 2007 and 2009, the number of meals served increased by 44 percent, sometimes leaving the shelves close to bare, said Hays County Food Bank Community Relations Coordinator Pat Tessaro.
“We’re feeding quite a few more families due to the slowdown in the economy,” Tessaro said. “Demand is way up.”
In Hays County, 3,853 children received food stamps in 2007; by 2010, that number doubled to 7,637, according to data released this week by the non-profit Center for Public Policy Priorities. About 13 percent of Hays County children live in poverty.
Empty bowls projects have grown in popularity in recent years as a way to call attention to hunger and raise money. Buda physical therapist and Democrat precinct chair Rachel Najera came up with the idea of bringing the fundraiser to Hays County, and turned to members of the Kyle/Buda Women Democrats for help.
“As a group, I thought it was important to put emphasis on the fact that we care about our community members,” Najera said.
The event is about fundraising for charity, not politics, said Buda Councilmember Sandra Tenorio.
“In the world of politics sometimes we get so wrapped up in campaigns and who’s for who,” Tenorio said. “We don’t want to lose sight of the needs of the community. This is not a political event. It’s open to anyone who cares about the challenges the food bank is facing.”
Area residents have donated about 75 bowls – a motley assortment of colors, shapes and sizes. During the fundraiser, a minimum donation of $15 will get you a bowl full of one of the soups made by event organizers, from corn chowder to chicken tortilla soup to sweet potato black bean chili, along with homemade rolls or cornbread.
A silent action will feature Art Pottery donated by Buda’s own Frazier Harris and by Mel Cornshucker, Mike Grafa, Paul Lewis and other artists. Musician Hilary Kauffman-Smith will entertain diners.
