Empty Bowls benefit to help end hunger

University Relations

University Relations

Members of the SDSU Food Science, Dietetics and Hospitality Club are preparing and serving the meal for the Empty Bowls Dinner and Auction.

The event will be held at the Brookings United Church of Christ on Thursday, Nov. 18, starting at 6:30 p.m.

Money from the event will go to Heifer International, a nonprofit organization working to end world hunger by supplying food sources to impoverished families around the world.

The SDSU club first heard about the benefit from Dr. Lee Frantz, a professor in hotel and food service management.

“The club tries to establish and promote social and professional awareness,” said Jennifer Sneve, club treasurer.

“We often seek out community service opportunities for our members to be involved with. The Empty Bowls project is a great way for us to provide service to those in need. It gives us a chance to put our food service and communication skills learned through classes into use.”

Sneve says although there is no class credit given for involvement in the project, members will be given points for their efforts, which will help them with the annual trip they take in the spring.

“Our goal with this project,” said Janet Mullen, co-chair of the event, “is to get the word out about hunger and hopefully provide an understanding of what the less fortunate face on a day-to-day basis.”

Following in the tradition of Empty Bowls events around the world, participants will receive a locally hand-made pottery soup bowl.

The limited edition ceramic bowls were designed and made by master potter Dave Huebner. He and his wife, Julie, operate Dakota Stoneware in Bushnell located just outside of Brookings.

At the events, participants can fill their bowls with a choice of soups and also enjoy bread, dessert, beverages and fellowship. The bowls are to be kept as a reminder of those who go hungry in the world.