Think globally act locally

Founded in 1990 by Lisa Blackburn and John Hartom in Michigan, there are now Empty Bowls events held around the world, organized by artists to raise money to fight food insecurity.

Artists donate bowls to local Empty Bowls events. The bowls are sold or auctioned off to raise money for local organizations fighting hunger in the community. Everyone enjoys a simple meal together.

In Champaign Urbana, artists began organizing local events in 2010. Silvercreek Restaurant graciously provided their space and a meal of soup and bread for guests to enjoy.

In 2026, the event is moving to Lincoln Square Mall in Urbana in partnership with Common Ground Food Co-op to better accommodate more people of all ages. Serving soup and bread is not feasible, but family-friendly activities and wheel-throwing pottery demonstrations have been added.

All funds raised go to benefit the Daily Bread Soup Kitchen, which has been providing food and other services to the unhoused community for over 45 years.

For more information on how the event works, see our FAQs.