The reason this fundraiser has been such a success is because people consistently dig deep into their pockets and generously donate to this cause.

Once again, we are offering empty bowls and a soup supper in exchange for your donations to the Cedar Key Food Pantry. Please, plan to attend the annual event.

The Cedar Key Food Pantry has been operated in Cedar Key for a number of years.

Presently, Sue Colson, Vice-Mayor, and a group of volunteers operate the Food Pantry. The Cedar Key Lions Club, the Methodist Church, Waste Pro, Faye Sanders, CPA, and Norm Fugate, PA all assist with implementation of procurement and distribution.

Volunteers from all the churches and local people dedicate many hours to this effort.

Years ago, a high school teacher came up with a creative way for his students to raise funds to support a food drive. What evolved was a class project to make clay bowls for a fundraising meal. Guests were served a simple meal of soup and bread and were invited to keep the bowl as a reminder of hunger in the world. By the following year, the originator had developed this concept into "Empty Bowls. ‘   So states the Gainesville Food of the Mighty Foodbank.

          The idea and practice have spread throughout the United States. Such a simple idea, which focuses on the idea that thousands of people experience hunger in our nation and elsewhere. Many people work more than one job to make ends meet. The economy in Cedar Key is based upon seasonal employment.

The Food Pantry very successfully combines donated and lower priced commodities to feed the people who live here.

The reason this fundraiser has been such a success is because people consistently dig deep into their pockets and generously donate to this cause. We have expanded the dinner to the community center to invite more people to participate and we have increased the number of potters from one, Amy Gernhardt, who has consistently donated at no cost over 100 bowls for many years, to six potters who are willing to share their time and expertise to create the beautiful bowls. There will be a silent auction of additional bowls.

We hope you can find it in your heart to feed a hungry family by joining us at the Cedar Key Community Center on February 6th from 3-7 p.m.

Finally, we wish to thank all of the volunteers who make the soup, desserts, and beverages which are donated to the soup supper.

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