Austin Empty Bowl Project raises money to fight childhood hunger

AUSTIN, Texas - Hundreds gathered at the Central Texas Food Bank, for the "Austin Empty Bowl Project" this weekend.

Founded in 1997, the event is dedicated to fighting child hunger. Attendees, purchase bowls created by artists, celebrities, and members of the FOX 7 Austin team.

The event is sponsored, in part, by FOX 7 Austin. 

“We love this time of year at FOX 7,” said meteorologist Zack Shields, who paints a weather-themed bowl each year. 

Money raised during the event is donated to two charities fighting child hunger. 

“Half of the money that we have goes to Kid Cafe, and the other half goes to Meals for Kids. So, we're providing a hot evening meal for Central Texas kids and a safe place for them to go after school,” explained Austin Empty Bowl Project Co-director, Hester Weigand. 

Weigand, says the event requires more than a dozen people to work year-round, and over 150 “day-of” volunteers.

Among them, is Melissa Rodriguez. She has volunteered with the Austin Empty Bowl Project for six years. “It's amazing. It's a beautiful thing, to see everybody coming through together as a community,” she said. 

If you missed the event, but would still like to donate, you can learn more here.