Solanco Neighborhood Ministries (SNM) will hold its inaugural Empty Bowls fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 8, with a community meal from 4 to 8 p.m. at Mechanic Grove Church of the Brethren, 1392 Robert Fulton Highway, Quarryville. Proceeds from the event will support SNM's food security and family assistance programs serving residents across southern Lancaster County.

Guests may enjoy a meal, bread, and dessert, symbolizing the event's central message that no bowl in the community should be empty. Attendees will have the opportunity to take home a handcrafted bowl created by local students and artists as a lasting reminder of the impact that their contribution makes against fighting hunger.

"We want to raise awareness of the extent of food insecurity in our area that often goes unseen and raise money to fund our food and wraparound programs that help families become financially stable," stated Teresa Dolan, executive director of SNM. "But Empty Bowls is more than just a fundraiser - it is also a celebration of community that reminds us of the power of connection and compassion."

"We are excited to partner with so many individuals and organizations in the community for our inaugural event," continued Dolan. Local artists participating in the fundraiser are Albright Pottery Studio, the Octorara Art Association, and Sanctuary Studio. In addition, Solanco School District students under the direction of Kesse Humphreys from Solanco High School, Emily MacNair from Smith Middle School, and Melissa Tucker from Swift Middle School have been crafting bowls.

Dolan met with Tucker nearly a year and a half ago and proposed the idea of Empty Bowls. Tucker liked the idea of collaborating and thought she could engage the other grade levels.

"This gives the learners a chance to reach a greater audience with their art for the good of our community," Tucker stated. When asked how learners felt about this opportunity and their reasons for doing the project, Tucker said, "The students were excited that someone would actually be using their bowls and felt that making something that would eventually help others who had a need was a good thing."

The art department not only collaborated with SNM and local artist organizations, but also worked closely with the Solanco High School video productions class.

"Our WSLC Media students are excited to create a video showing students of all ages as they create and design the bowls used for the Empty Bowls fundraiser," said Tony Mendez, instructor of WSLC Media studies. "Their work serves as a lasting testament to the value of youth involvement in community initiatives."

The drop-in event will feature soups, food, and desserts prepared by local restaurants, caterers, and commercial kitchens, as well as a silent auction and opportunities to learn more and make an impact in SNM's year-round efforts to address food insecurity. Tickets must be purchased in advance to guarantee a handcrafted bowl. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://solanconeighborhoodministries.org or call 717-723-8385.

The Solanco Neighborhood Ministries Food Bank has been serving the southern end of Lancaster County since 1990. Over the years, it has adapted to meet the increased needs in the area. The food bank sends more than 60,000 weekend meals home each school year to local children and provides more than 500 holiday meals so families can celebrate and share a special meal together. The Choice Pantry offers neighbors the opportunity to shop in person with dignity and choose items their family likes. The food bank supports SNM's mission: Engaging Families. Meeting Needs. Giving Hope.