Thousands participate in 2016 Empty Bowls event

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) —  Thousands lined up at First Baptist Church Activity Center today to learn how to fight hunger.

The biannual Empty Bowls event allows participants to buy a ticket and line up for a meal of soup and bread, to simulate the experience of a soup kitchen. Participants also get to take home a bowl crafted by local artists.

Event chair Jane Radack said the goal is to make the community aware of food shortages in our area.

“People are not always aware that in New Hanover County and the surrounding community, alone, there are about 75,000 people that have food insecurity issues,” Radack said.

Radack estimated that 16,000 people participating in the event in some way shape or form. All the funds raised go to Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard and The Good Shepherd Center.