Empty Bowls is an international project to fight hunger. The basic idea for Empty Bowls is simple. Participants choose ceramic bowls made by the L/L pottery co-op, then are served a simple meal of soup and bread. Guests choose a bowl to use that day and to keep as a reminder that there are always empty bowls in the world. In exchange for the meal and the bowl, guests give a suggested minimum donation of seven dollars and a non-perishable food item.

Empty Bowls began in Michigan in the spring of 1991. Due to the tremendous success of the project and the work of literally thousands of participants, Empty Bowls projects now occur throughout the year, raising millions of dollars to fight hunger.

Here at the University of Vermont, L/L has sponsored Empty Bowls for the past 17 years. Please help us make the 18th year memorable.

The main objectives of Empty Bowls are:

Raise as much money as possible to feed the world's hungry people. Lives are in the balance.
Increase awareness of hunger and related issues. Through education, awareness, and action, concerned individuals can bring about an attitude that will not allow hunger to exist.
Advocate for Arts Education. Nurturing the creative process through the arts enhances the possibility of finding new solutions to old problems.