Samantha Krol
Contributing Writer
HMTC club and the Art Department were filling empty bowls to fight food insecurity and support the food pantry. On April 22 in Dansbury Commons, ESU’s Hospitality Club hosted a fundraiser called Empty Bowls.
At this event, for $25, people were able to pick out a hand-made bowl from ESU students in the Art Department, and get their pick of three different soups to enjoy. The fundraiser also had sandwiches, salad, fresh fruit and a variety of dessert options to choose from. The proceeds from Empty Bowls support St. Matthew’s Food Pantry, which supports ESU students having consistent, nutritious food.
“When I first got involved with Empty Bowls, I was honestly surprised by how significant food insecurity is among college students,” said Chuck Meitner, the faculty advisor for HTMC and of this fundraiser.
At the door, patrons were greeted and checked in, and then immediately allowed to pick their bowl from a selection ready to choose from. Plus, once they picked their bowl, a student volunteering for this event was there, ready to wrap it and bag it for safe transportation and storage, so the guest got to sit and have lunch.
“The bowls were so cool and the food was even better. I loved the event and hope it happens again!” Sarah Waleski said.
Their soup options were gumbo, beer cheese soup and a vegetable soup. The beer cheese soup came with toasted pretzel croutons, and while it felt a bit more like a dip with the croutons, it paired with all the other food at the event.
“The event had a really great turn out and was very cool to see students that made the food and helped be a part of this event. Plus all the bowls were so pretty and original!” said Emily Search, a member of HTMC who worked the event.
There were several professors in attendance, some from completely different departments, all there in support of the Warrior Food Pantry and HTMC.
Meitner comments that nationally, about a third of college level students are affected by food insecurity. He goes on to explain how many students have to choose between textbooks and their next meal. Many students’ grades drop or they have to choose to leave to support their own livelihood.
“The Warrior Food Pantry is an important resource for our students, and this event helps bring attention to an issue that’s easy to overlook,” Meitner said.
If you want to help support the Warrior Food Pantry, they accept donations year-round, and there is a list of their non-perishable requested items on the ESU website.
The Food Pantry is open every Tuesday 2-4pm at St. Matthews church. Please contact Selina Hines at shines@esu.edu for any further questions. For more information please follow the link below: