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Empty Bowls 2025

Feed My People's 25th Annual Empty Bowls Event Combines Art, Food, and Community to Fight Hunger

Since 2001, Empty Bowls has brought together locally crafted bowls, food, community members, and a determination to take a bite out of local hunger. Now celebrating its 25th year, this major fundraiser for Feed My People Food Bank (FMP) continues to serve as a powerful reminder that collective action-one bowl at a time-can make a lasting impact. 

"One bowl may not seem like a lot, but when they're all stacked together, the impact is huge," shared Susie Haugley, communications manager at FMP. Last year, the event raised enough funds for over 230,000 meals. Every bowl and food ticket purchase goes toward supporting the work of FMP, whose mission is providing food for kids, seniors, and families facing hunger across West Central Wisconsin.

This year, Empty Bowls returns on May 15 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. with a variety of indoor and outdoor festivities. Outside, guests can enjoy a meal from their choice of six different food trucks, outdoor games, and live music. Each food truck will offer signature dishes that can be redeemed with an Empty Bowls meal ticket.

Inside the food bank, hundreds of beautiful, handcrafted bowls donated by local artists and students will be on display. Ticket holders may choose a ceramic or wooden bowl to take home as a reminder of the role they play in the fight against hunger.

A silent auction featuring experience packages, local artwork, bowl sets, and more will be available both online and in person, with online bidding closing at midnight on May 15. Attendees can also take a guided tour of the food bank to learn more about how their support helps neighbors in need.

In celebration of this milestone year, FMP has launched a special $25,000 Empty Bowls fundraiser. To kick things off, FMP board members are matching up to $5,000 in donations, doubling the impact of every dollar given toward hunger relief.

Empty Bowls would not be possible without the generous support of its sponsors. This year's top festival sponsors are BMO Harris Bank and Market & Johnson. Food trucks include: Big Papa BBQ, Island Vibe, Live Great Food, Mi Mì Café, Ramone's Ice Cream, and Smackdaddy's Gourmet Grub. 

Those interested in supporting hunger relief are encouraged to purchase tickets online or in person at the event. No admission fee is required to attend.