Empty Bowls Project Comes From Full Hearts

Any potter will tell you that the “Empty Bowls” concept has been around for a long time, and has helped raise money to feed millions in communities around the world. One accepted version of story is that in 1990, a high school art teacher in Michigan came up with an idea.

His kids would make bowls, and fill them with soup, and sell both together as a way to raise funds to help feed the hungry.

The project is alive and well, and on Thursday, had a successful incarnation at Montville High School, as art students and culinary students came together for an Empty Bowls fundraiser.

Each bowl, filled with a dinner of the buyer's choice, and accompanied by bread, cost $10. In addition, a few special ceramic items were put up for silent auction. The money will go to help stock Montville's food locker.

Amanda Gladue, 17, president of the art club, said that students from the high school and Oakdale Elementary had made 119 bowls to be sold for the event.

“It’s an opportunity for service,” said Carolyn Olczak, Montville High School art teacher, adviser, and mover and shaker on the project.

“I thought it was important to do this for the community,” she said.

The kids agreed.

Margo Burr, culinary teacher, agreed, too.

Her students made the great stuff that went into the bowls. (Actually, since the bowls were of such varied sizes, the food was served in containers, leaving the bowls clean and easily transportable.

Culinary students made chili, minestrone, chicken tortellini soup and corn chowder. They made artisan bread and corn bread, too.

Cooking for more than 100 “was a real experience,” said Trayvon Griggs. “We didn’t want to overcook or undercook.”

Susan Loiler and her girlfriends came to supper “just to support the cause,” she said. It was part of a night out, and both she and Sue Schoenemann were thrilled with their bowls.

Leon Moore also came just to support the cause.

He was picking up soup and bowls for himself and his wife, and he had one concern.

“I just hope I pick the right bowl.”