Empty Bowls Raises $5K for Fond du Lac Food Pantries

When local artists and community members gathered in Fond du Lac this December, they weren't just celebrating pottery. They were raising thousands of dollars to make sure their neighbors wouldn't go hungry.

The Empty Bowls event brought in more than $5,000 for area food pantries on December 3. Envision Greater Fond du Lac's Leadership Alumni hosted the fundraiser, continuing a tradition that started back in 1999.

Six local organizations each received over $800 from the event. Broken Bread, Fondy Food Pantry, Loaves & Fishes, The Salvation Army, Holyland Food Pantry, and St. Vincent DePaul all benefited from the community's generosity.

The Empty Bowls concept is beautifully simple. Local artists create handmade ceramic bowls, and community members purchase them at the fundraising event. The empty bowls serve as a reminder of those facing food insecurity, while the funds raised directly support the pantries feeding families.

This approach tackles two missions at once: raising awareness about hunger while supporting art education in the community. It's a creative solution that brings people together around both culture and compassion.

The Ripple Effect

Each of those $800 donations represents hundreds of meals for families facing tough times. Food pantries stretch every dollar to maximize their impact, buying in bulk and partnering with food banks to multiply donations.

But the ripple goes beyond groceries. When families don't have to worry about their next meal, kids can focus on school. Parents can put resources toward rent or medicine. The stress of food insecurity lifts, even if just for a while.

The event also strengthens community bonds. Leadership alumni stay connected to their town's needs. Artists contribute their skills for good. Attendees learn about hunger issues while supporting local solutions.

Mark your calendar for December 2, 2026, when Empty Bowls returns for another year of turning pottery into hope and full pantries into full bellies.