Tucson fundraiser fights food insecurity

More than 100 volunteers, 20-plus local eateries and businesses, 80 to 100 potters and an army of supporters will come together in an effort to raise $200,000 to fight food insecurity at the beloved event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center, 1288 W. River Road.

“This is our biggest fundraiser of the year at Interfaith Community Services (ICS)," said Jennifer Humphries, Communications Manager with ICS. "All of the funds go toward our food programs, thus the ‘empty bowls’ title in hopes that no one in our community has an empty bowl."

Since its inception 15 years ago, Empty Bowls has become renowned for offering attendees a variety of soups, bites, breads and desserts from popular eateries.

“There will be lots of the favorites that people have come to expect at Empty Bowls, with a broad range of soups to appeal to everyone — everything from heavier chilis and gazpachos to gluten free and vegan options. It runs the whole gamut,” Humphries said.

Each attendee also takes home their choice of a handmade bowl created by a local artist.

Last year, 1,594 bowls with diverse glazes, colors and designs were donated, according to Mary Swallow, a local artist who coordinates bowls for the event with Linda DeBoer.

This year, Marjon Ceramics donated 950 pounds of clay so artists and studios can create bowls. At least 500 bowls were made by students from the Tucson Parks and Recreation Udall Studio, where Swallow is an instructor. Swallow and her husband, Jerry Turner, are also donating 100 bowls from their studio.

“I love making pottery, but I have a small house, and there is only so much pottery I can put in it. Since I believe no one should be hungry, this is a way of joining two of my passions,” Swallow said.

The unique, hand-crafted bowls are a take-home gift that keeps giving, according to Darryl Landau, a long-time volunteer and former board member with ICS.

“They are incredible. We get to select a bowl and we have a beautiful collection from over the years that we use all the time,” said Darryl, who donates and serves bread during the event with his wife, Sarah.

The couple subscribes to the ICS philosophy that food and housing are the building blocks for pathways to self-sufficiency. ICS facilitates those pathways through brick-and-mortar and mobile food banks; emergency financial assistance; employment assistance; education assistance for single moms; tax preparation services; and more. Nearly 35,000 people currently receive assistance through ICS food banks and produce giveaways

“One static we also tracked last year is calls for help, which can be for everything from help with a job or rent or utilities assistance," Humphries said. "Last year, we answered 32,047 calls for help on top of emails or forms filled out. There is a lot of need in the community, and ICS helps people find stability."

Traci Milliken is doing her part to support the nonprofit.

She is the owner of AZ Songbird Sweets, a cottage bakery that regularly donates desserts and “Birthday Cake Kits” to ICS food banks and will contribute cookies and desserts to Empty Bowls.

“I believe my ability to make and decorate cakes is my gift from God. He gives me the skills I need to be able to do this, and it is important for me to utilize the gifts I have been given through my business and to help others in need,” Milliken said.

As the child of a single mom, Milliken experienced firsthand how assistance can change lives, and she is determined to pay it forward.

“We have such a large population of unhoused and so many families that are struggling ... people don’t always want to be in the situations they are in, and it is hard to ask for help. Events like Empty Bowls bring awareness to the need in the community and help people to become involved,” Milliken said.