ODESSA, Texas — The Empty Bowls event has been filling the need for food for more than 20 years.
On Feb 10., the celebration makes its annual return bringing together dozens of volunteers for a greater cause.
The West Texas Food Bank partnered with several schools and organizations to create a collection of unique handmade bowls that will be up for sale at the Odessa College.
The goal is to raise money for the food bank to continue to provide nourishment across 19 different counties in West Texas.
This marks the 24th annual West Texas Food Bank's Empty Bowls event. This year, the bowls were made with the help of multiple places:
- Odessa College
- Midland College
- The University of Texas Permian Basin
- Trinity School of Midland
- Boys and Girls Club of the Permian Basin
- UTPB Stem Academy
Admissions cost $15. Doors will open at 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
According to the Chief Executive Director of the West Texas Food Bank, Libby Stephens, there will be at least 1,000 bowls to pick from.
"It's going to be really nice to see how the artists and the community here have come together to make it again another just unique, fun love, community driven event," said Stephens.
The bowls will cost anywhere from $20 to $100, according to Stephens.
But that's not all that'll be available. There will also be all you can eat soup, deserts and rolls with the purchase of a bowl.
The event helps support the food bank during a time when several people are struggling with food insecurity.
"This year alone we did close to 14 million pounds of food distributed to the nineteen counties in which we serve," Stephens said. "We're seeing more need than ever before and a lot of it has to with the cost of living right now and groceries are still high for families. So right now any little way that you can support the West Texas Food Bank is truly making a difference."