Pierce County Empty Bowls Raises $20,000 for Emergency Food Network

Lakewood—They came to the Life Center campus in search of glass, wood, and ceramic bowls and for delicious soup prepared by local restaurants. They left after spending $20,000 on bowls, with proceeds going to feed food-insecure families and individuals in Pierce County.

Local Potters and glass workers made over 1000 bowls for the event on November 13. Local restaurants contributed soup for attendees. Infinite Soups, Adriatic Grill, Masa, The Swiss, and The Hub/Harmon all participated. Jazz Musette, a five piece jazz band, provided entertainment.

“We are extremely excited and grateful one so many levels to so many people—from the potters, to the restaurants, to our committee and our sponsors. They all did an amazing job of making this event so successful.” Said committee Chair and EFN board member Lauren Dammeier. Roman Meal, Stadium Thriftway, Sterling Bank, Absher Construction, Hedge Advisory Services, and Print Northwest all sponsored the event. ROTATOR Creative made the eye-catching poster this year.

“This event is a great way to bring out the community for a good cause while showcasing local artists. We’re all very happy with the Life Center venue and the response from the community,” said Jeff Klein, EFN Development Director.

Every bit of funding helps as the organization’s 67 partner food banks, hot meal sites, and shelter programs report a 43% increase in clients from 2008 to 2010. EFN met that need by distributing 13.7 million pounds of food, a 27% increase, valued at $18.9 million dollars in 2009. In 2010, EFN expects to distribute more.

Over 140,000 individuals visit food banks in Pierce County each month. EFN resources, warehouses, and distributes over 80% of the food distributed by food banks in the county. An increased emphasis on Food Purchasing capitalizes on EFN’s ability to leverage purchasing power to distribute $12 worth of food for every $1 donated. A $20,000 award supplies around 5 days of food to the community.

For information about the Emergency Food Network, visit www.efoodnet.org