Pittsburghers will come together this weekend for the annual Empty Bowls community meal benefiting the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and Just Harvest.
With three different seating options on Sunday, the event will serve “a simple meal of soup and bread” to nearly 1,500 people to help end hunger across the region.
“For too many of our neighbors, putting food on the table has become increasingly complex as the cost of everyday essentials continues to rise,” said Lisa Scales, president and CEO of the food bank. “Empty Bowls brings our community together to raise critical funds and demonstrate what’s possible when neighbors step up to help neighbors.”
This year marks the 29th year of Empty Bowls, and Sunday’s event will take place at Rodef Shalom in Shadyside and is presented by Highmark and Allegheny Health Network.
The soups are created by local chefs and donated by more than 40 restaurants and caterers throughout the Pittsburgh region.
In addition to the meal, guests can select a ceramic bowl made by local artisans and students “to take home as a reminder of our neighbors facing hunger.”
Tickets are $35 if purchased ahead of time until Thursday and $40 at the door, and children under the age of 3 can enter without a ticket. They can be purchased online. Those who opt not to dine in but still want to support the event can select the soup-and-bowl takeout option.
The three seating options on Sunday, which can each accommodate 450 dine-in guests and 175 soup & bowl takeout guests, are as follows:
- 1 -3 p.m.
- 3:30-5:30 p.m.
- 6-8 p.m.
The first and second time slots are sold out for the dine-in option. All times are still available for takeout. As of Wednesday, the fundraiser stands at $48,600 out of the $50,000 goal.
At the event on Sunday, there will be limited accessible parking spaces available in Rodef Shalom’s parking lot. The main entrance is wheelchair accessible, with the main floor able to be reached by elevator.
