Increasing Awareness
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Part of the Empty Bowls mission is to increase public awareness of hunger issues, because many do not know how pervasive hunger is in this county. Feeding America statistics report if would take over 5 million dollars annually to meet the needs of the hungry in Monongalia County.
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The Monongalia County school system indicates 15.2% of our children are food insecure and 41.86% of our children receive free or reduced lunch. Many of our school-age children are food insecure, but food insecurity is also a problem for our seniors and working poor.
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Empty Bowls board members are available to speak to groups throughout the county to tell the story about hunger concerns and the needs of county food pantries and meal programs. Additionally, we encourage students of all ages to participate in Empty Bowls service programs by making and decorating bowls for our luncheon, creating posters for display, and volunteering at the day of the event.
Why We Do
What We Do
Through education and continued community involvement, Empty Bowls Monongalia will provide resources and broker assistance to Monongalia County agencies supporting individuals and families threatened by food insecurity.
Empty Bowls Monongalia issues grants to eligible organizations on a one time per year basis. The application period begins in March for distribution in June. Eligibility is based on services provided, which must include food in some way: food pantries, backpack programs, or meal services.
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Empty Bowls Awards $90,000 to 23 Local Nonprofits
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Congratulations to this year's grantees! Empty
Bowls awarded $90,000 to 23 nonprofits working to
alleviate food insecurity and hunger in Monongalia
County! We thank each of them for their commitment
to our community and are honored to partner with
them in their efforts.
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