Tickets on sale for Southeast Missouri Food Bank’s second annual Empty Bowls event

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

JACKSON, Mo. (KBSI) — Tickets are now on sale for Southeast Missouri Food Bank’s second annual Empty Bowls event, which raises money to help families facing food insecurity across Southeast Missouri.

The event will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, at the food bank’s Jackson facility, located at 4536 E. Jackson Blvd.

Tickets cost $15 for dine-in or carryout meals. Delivery is available in Cape Girardeau County for $16 per meal, with a minimum order required. Each ticket includes a commemorative bowl.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at the food bank’s Jackson office. Dine-in and carryout tickets will also be available during the event while supplies last.

Participating restaurants will donate a variety of soups, giving attendees an opportunity to enjoy a meal while supporting the food bank’s efforts to fight hunger.

“As we head into the holiday season, we know the need for food assistance can increase as families work to stretch their budgets and make the holidays special for their loved ones,” said Joey Keys, president and CEO of Southeast Missouri Food Bank.

“Empty Bowls gives our community a meaningful way to come together and support neighbors who are facing hunger. Every ticket purchased helps us provide food to families, children and seniors throughout Southeast Missouri, and we’re grateful to everyone who helps make this event possible,” Keys said.

This year’s event will also feature a new partnership with the Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center’s Culinary Arts program.

Students will help prepare food for the event, gaining hands-on experience while developing their culinary skills and supporting the community.

“We’re thankful for the businesses and restaurants that have stepped up to support Empty Bowls, as well as the students who are putting their skills to work and everyone who will join us for a meal,” Keys said.

Southern Bank is the event’s Full Table Sponsor. Additional sponsors include Feeding Missouri, KBSI, KFVS, Midwest Sterilization, Montgomery Bank and Nationwide.

All proceeds will support Southeast Missouri Food Bank’s mission to fight hunger across its 16-county service area.

According to the food bank, 1 in 5 people, 1 in 4 children and 1 in 8 seniors in Southeast Missouri live in food-insecure households.

The organization serves residents through a network of 140 partner agencies and direct-service programs, including food pantries, mobile food distributions and meal assistance programs.

The food bank also provides monthly food boxes to approximately 5,600 seniors and weekend food backpacks to 1,100 students during the school year.

For more information about the event or Southeast Missouri Food Bank, visit semofoodbank.org.