Feeding Northeast Florida (FNEFL) has announced plans to host its signature fundraiser, Empty Bowls, on October 27, 2021 at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront.

The annual luncheon raises funds and awareness of food insecurity on the First Coast and beyond; it was held virtually last year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Historically, this event raises more than $100,000 to benefit the food bank’s programs which provide food and food resources to individuals and families in need within its eight-county service area. This year the event will be held in person, allowing the community to come together and address food insecurity.

To ensure the safety and health of guests, tables will have limited seating and be appropriately spaced for social distancing practices. Guests will be required to wear masks entering the event and while they are not seated eating. Food will be served in individual packaging when available or through a low-touch service model. Temperature scanners and hand sanitation stations will be present throughout the event space as well.

A record number of people sought help in 2020 –– FNEFL saw a 129% increase in demand and an estimated 40% of individuals served early in the pandemic had never sought help before. Approximately one in seven people are food insecure on the First Coast, equivalent to approximately 237,000 people, including 76,000 children, and over 40 million meals are needed annually to close the meal gap.

This unique fundraising event provides an outlet to discuss hunger in our community and spark solution-oriented conversations, as well as raise critical funds to provide the assistance needed for those struggling with hunger in our backyard. Guests receive a simple meal of bread and soup, along with a handcrafted bowl that serves as a powerful reminder of all the empty bowls in our community. Tickets are available now, starting at $50. To learn more about food insecurity and purchase tickets, visit jaxemptybowls.com.

For more information, to make a donation to the food bank or sign up to volunteer, visit feedingnefl.org. Each $1 donated helps provide six meals.