a visual reminder - The Empty Bowls Project

Did you know...
* last year in the United States, 14 percent of households (which equates to 17.4 MILLION households) were food insecure

Did you know...
* households in the US with children reported food insecurity at a significantly higher rate than those without children - 19 percent compared to 12 percent

Did you know...
* in 2013, 5.4 million seniors (over age 60), or 9 percent of all seniors were food insecure

And, did you know that food insecurity exists in EVERY county in America, ranging from a low of 4 percent in Slope County, ND to a high of 33 percent in Humphreys County, MS.

* all statistics above can be found on the Feeding America website

For the majority of us, hunger occurs occasionally when we've gone too long between meals.  We might notice being hungry when we are a day or two late going to the grocery store.  But, what about true hunger?  The kind of hunger where you don't know where your next meal will come from?  The kind of hunger that makes a kid act out in school because they haven't eaten in days.  The kind of hunger that makes you physically ill.  Sadly, hunger in America is a very real problem.

Often I'm asked why I'm so passionate about helping out at our local food bank, or starting food pantries at our kids' schools, or for spreading the word about food insecurity and I can honestly say that I can think about going without a lot of things - cable, new clothes, even a car - but I can't imagine not having enough food to feed my family.

Though the statistics seem bleak, there are so many ways that we can make a difference!

Have you heard of the Empty Bowls project?  It's an international grassroots effort to raise money and awareness in the fight to end hunger.

A plain, empty bowl - just waiting to be filled.

Katy and I recently got together and invited a few friends to go with us to U Paint It for an Empty Bowls painting party.  Our small fee included the bowl, all the paint, and the firing of our bowl.  Our finished products will be donated to an upcoming Empty Bowls event where, for a minimum donation, you receive a simple lunch of soup, bread, and water. Each person that attends will also be able to select a bowl to take home as a reminder of all the empty bowls in our community, state, country, and around the world.

Plain empty bowls transformed into tangible reminders that many in our communities need our help.

As you begin to prepare for the holidays, I have an easy challenge for you.  As you are setting out food, leave a bowl empty on purpose.  As friends and relatives ask you about the empty bowl, you can share the significance and help spread awareness about hunger in your area.

If you live in the Bryan/College Station area and would like to get involved, you have until November 12th to stop by U Paint It and paint a bowl.  This is a great opportunity to get your kiddos involved!

Not artistic but still want to help?  Stop by the Frame Gallery on Saturday, November 21st from 11am till 1pm and, for a small donation, enjoy a simple lunch of soup, bread and water and then take home a hand painted bowl as a reminder that hunger is a very real problem.  All proceeds from this particular event will benefit the Brazos Valley Food Bank.

If you live elsewhere and would like to get involved, I found that by Googling Empty Bowls and then the area that you are from is the quickest and easiest way to find events in your area.

Have you ever participated in an Empty Bowls event?

Thanks so much for stopping by!  Gig 'em and God bless! 

Holly

and don't forget about the Waiting on...Wednesday link-up - a place where you can link up what you are waiting on, going through, making, anything - as long as it's family-friendly!  :)  it's open through Saturday!

Don't forget to check my FAVORITE link-ups page to see where I'm linking up today!

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Much appreciation goes out to Karissa from A Fresh Start for featuring my post about the Empty Bowls Project! What an honor!  Thank you so much, Karissa!