ITHACA, NY (CortacaToday) — In their 41st year in the community, Loaves and Fishes of Tompkins County is hosting their annual Empty Bowls fundraiser this Saturday, October 19th with 100% of the proceeds directly supporting their free meals and advocacy services.

Loaves and Fishes’ mission statement describes the organization as “a Christian ministry which provides a place for free meals, hospitality, companionship, and advocacy for those in need, regardless of their faith, beliefs, or circumstances.” The Empty Bowls fundraiser is one that they rely on to be able to continue to put their mission statement into action.

“People can buy a ticket for $100, which includes a hand-crafted bowl from a local potter, two pints of soup, salad, bread, and a dessert. You can also get a bottle of Finger Lakes wine for an extra $25. All of the food and wine are donated by local restaurants and wineries. It’s reflective of our organization as a whole because we’ve always operated by way of community support,” says Executive Director Christina Culver.

With a to-go meal option that was started during the Covid-19 pandemic, getting free meals is more convenient than ever for most people. More people in need are reached as guests pick up meals for their friends or loved ones who are unable to come to the building.

“People seem to be hungrier these days [compared to pre-pandemic] based on how much they’re eating; it’s typical to see a guest with three cleared plates in front of them. On average, we’re serving 300 meals a day, compared to 135 meals before the pandemic. Ticket holders pick out and take home an empty bowl which serves as a reminder that there are lots of people in Tompkins County who are hungry. Purchasing an Empty Bowls ticket matters a lot since at least 75% of our budget expenses are covered by individual donations.”

With a group of dedicated volunteers that span from the ages of 18 to 94 years old, the organization brings people together. Serving those who come in with more than just food, they often refer people to local agencies when they struggle with meeting basic needs.  They’ve built a reputation in the community, having become a strong resource for people to go when they need food, guidance, or are looking for a place to volunteer their time to help make a difference. The staff is only made up of seven people, making their impact on the community even more of a feat.

To learn more about the Empty Bowls fundraiser, how to volunteer, or to learn more about the organization in general, be sure to visit the Loaves and Fishes website here as well as their Facebook page here.