JAX Chamber: Feeding Northeast Florida's Empty Bowls Event Returns On October 27, 2021

Press release from the JAX Chamber:

October 7, 2021

Jacksonville, Fla. – Oct. 6, 2021 – Feeding Northeast Florida (FNEFL) today announced plans to host its signature fundraiser, Empty Bowls, on October 27, 2021 at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront. The annual luncheon raises funds and awareness of food insecurity on the First Coast and beyond; it was held virtually last year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Historically, this event raises more than $100,000 to benefit the food bank’s programs which provide food and food resources to individuals and families in need within its eight-county service area. This year the event will be held in person, allowing the community to come together and address food insecurity.

To ensure the safety and health of guests, tables will have limited seating and be appropriately spaced for social distancing practices. Guests will be required to wear masks entering the event and while they are not seated eating. Food will be served in individual packaging when available or through a low-touch service model. Temperature scanners and hand sanitation stations will be present throughout the event space as well.

A record number of people sought help in 2020 –– FNEFL saw a 129% increase in demand and an estimated 40% of individuals served early in the pandemic had never sought help before. Approximately one in seven people are food insecure on the First Coast, equivalent to approximately 237,000 people, including 76,000 children, and over 40 million meals are needed annually to close the meal gap.

“As we continue to navigate the ‘new normal,’ the truth of the matter is, one in seven individuals throughout Northeast Florida are still expected to face food insecurity,” explained Susan King, President and CEO of FNEFL. “Paired with the residual challenges from COVID-19 still looming, we need to continue sustaining elevated levels of outreach and food distribution to meet the needs of the most vulnerable members of our community. We are thankful for the continued support –– when we work together to address hunger, we are Fulfilling Hope and Inspiring Tomorrow.”

This unique fundraising event provides an outlet to discuss hunger in our community and spark solution-oriented conversations, as well as raise critical funds to provide the assistance needed for those struggling with hunger in our backyard. Guests receive a simple meal of bread and soup, along with a handcrafted bowl that serves as a powerful reminder of all the empty bowls in our community. Tickets are available now, starting at $50. To learn more about food insecurity and purchase tickets, visit jaxemptybowls.com.

For more information, to make a donation to the food bank or sign up to volunteer, visit feedingnefl.org. Each $1 donated helps provide six meals.

About Feeding Northeast Florida (FNEFL)

Feeding Northeast Florida (FNEFL) is the region’s largest nonprofit (501c3) food bank and hunger relief network. FNEFL provides nutritious foods and other essential goods to those in need, and strives to improve the quality of life for people living in Northeast Florida by addressing food insecurity, poverty and poor health. Alongside our network of food distribution, agency and community partners, the Food Bank provides food resources and hope to help the more than 1 in 7 people living in our eight-county service area (Baker, Bradford, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam, and St. Johns) who struggle to feed themselves and their families. Feeding Northeast Florida works daily to find solutions to address the issues of food insecurity and poverty through awareness, advocacy, education, and action in ways that promote dignity, respect and empowerment. For more information, visit feedingnefl.org.

This press release was produced by the JAX Chamber. The views expressed here are the author’s own.