Empty Bowls spotlights local hunger issues

Special to the Green Valley News

Green Valley Assistance Services and the Community Food Bank, along with sponsors KGVY Radio and the Green Valley Rotary Club, will hold an “Empty Bowls” fundraiser on March 28.

The event brings attention to the increasing number of seniors and families needing food bank and financial assistance to buy food.

Hunger is a growing concern across the United States, and Community Food Bank branch manager Mary Jane Goodrick said that by including fun events for kids the hope is to raise awareness.

“When we decided to do this, we realized there’s not enough awareness of the need in Sahuarita. In January, 66 percent of those who used the Community Food Bank were from Sahuarita. Empty Bowls is well-known in Green Valley but not in Sahuarita,” she said.

“It’s important for people to come, and to know why they’re attending,” Goodrick said.

According to a survey by Feeding America, a leading domestic hunger-relief charity, demand at food banks nationwide increased 30 percent in 2008 compared to 2007.

“In this economy we need to work together; our message is, ‘Feeding Hunger One Day at a Time,’” GVAS Events Director Barb Hunt said.

Along with entertainment at Green Valley Village on March 27, Rotary spokesman Mitch Salyers said Rotarians will have drop-off points where residents may bring food donations.

Chef Charles and his staff from Kristofer’s Catering in Amado will prepare a special soup and filling the Empty Bowls with soups donated Coach’s All American, Elk’s Lodge #2592, Florentino’s, The Greens, Grill on the Green, La Placita, Mama’s Kitchen and Solaris. There will also be homemade bread, cookies and beverages. Students from Corona Foothills Middle School Student Leadership Group are volunteering to help with set-up and clean-up.

Making the bowls

More than 35 women from Green Valley Recreation’s Ceramics Club, the Green Valley Clay Club and personal potters have poured, cleaned, fired and painted dozens of colorful bowls in anticipation of the event.

“The bowls are fired two or three times, but the hardest part is the painting,” said ceramics club president Nancy Bewsey.

Creating and donating bowls and offering a lunch of soup reminds the community that many bowls are empty in the Santa Cruz Valley. As the economy worsens, hunger in the area grows; families and seniors don’t have enough to eat.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will support GVAS programs for local seniors and families who face hunger due to loss of income and illness.

For further information, call GVAS at 625-5966 or the GV Community Food Bank at 625-5252.

Ellen Sussman is a freelance writer in Green Valley. Contact her at ellen2414@cox.net.

If You Go

When: Saturday, March 28

Where: Valley Presbyterian Church, 2800 S. Camino Del Sol, Green Valley

Events: Line dancing demonstration: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Empty Bowls event: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Green Valley Aires Vocal Group: 11 a.m. to noon

Story Time by Michelle White: 10:45 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 11:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.

Sahuarita Dance Center Performance: Noon to 12:30; and 1 to 1:30

Senior chair aerobics: 12:30 to 1 p.m.

Family fitness demonstration: 1:30 to 2

Throughout the day: Face painting, bounce house, petting zoo and Green Valley fire truck

Cost: Adults $10; children 12 and under, free

Note: Please bring a non-perishable item for the Green Valley Community Food Bank.