Photo: Alex Dobbins

By Sammie Garrity - Boreal Community Media - November 7, 2024

This year, Cook County’s annual Empty Bowls event will take place at the Up Yonder in Grand Marias on November 14th. For years, this event has brought together the Cook County community of artists, restaurants, and members to raise awareness and money to fight the persistent issue of food insecurity in the county. Empty Bowls shines a light on the hidden hunger that many residents of Cook County face, while offering attendees a chance to enjoy locally made soups and connect with each other.

The event will be held in two sessions: lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and dinner from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Each bowl of soup costs $8, with additional helpings available for $4. To encourage families to participate, children under 10 can eat for free. This year, attendees will also have the option to purchase a quart of soup for $15 to-go, providing an additional way to support the cause.

The Cook County community comes together in remarkable ways to do immense behind-the-scenes work to facilitate the event. The Grand Marais Art Colony makes 200 bowls each year, allowing attendees to take home a piece of local artistry. Local restaurants donate the soups, with 12 different establishments contributing a range of forms and flavors. The soup will vary between lunch and dinner to ensure the attendees have a wide selection to choose from. 

To enhance the experience further, the event offers bread, water, and coffee on each table, with mac and cheese available for kids. This event has become a significant part of community culture and represents a sense of unity among purpose.

Last year's event brought the biggest turnout for the organization to date, while raising almost $10,000. 

Beth Kennedy, a current committee member, got involved with Empty Bowls after taking over her daughter's role in the organization. She shared how her involvement opened her eyes to many locals' challenges. 

“I didn’t realize how many people were struggling with food until I got involved with the organization,” said Kennedy.

Cook County, while appearing as a financially secure area, has a hidden side to it that often goes unnoticed. A significant number of residents struggle with food insecurity, and this struggle often remains invisible to newcomers and those not directly impacted. Schools in the area receive funding for free breakfast and lunch programs as part of Governor Walz’s Minnesota Free School Lunch Program. Still, additional resources for snacks or emergency food support are limited.

The funds raised by Empty Bowls support a variety of local initiatives that fill these critical gaps. Local nonprofits can apply to be part of the program, receiving either funding or food gift cards to distribute to those in need. For organizations that aren’t classified as 501(c)(3) nonprofits, food cards are provided instead of direct financial support.

For instance, the Sawtooth Mountain Clinic receives support to help patients facing food insecurity. Many patients visit the clinic for health concerns, but they may also be struggling with a lack of food, which can impact their overall well-being. Additionally, the program offers assistance to those who may suddenly find themselves in need due to unforeseen circumstances, such as an emergency expense or job loss.

Empty Bowls’ mission extends beyond just addressing immediate food needs. It provides seasonal support by increasing its involvement in events like Operation Family Christmas and providing $100 gift cards to around 100 families to ease financial pressures during the holidays. This support network has become a lifeline for many in the community, especially as the cost of living continues to rise.

“I think it’s ignited everybody’s artistry and really their compassion,” said Kennedy.

Empty Bowls relies heavily on community support, not only from attendees but also from volunteers and donors. Volunteers are still needed to help with serving, cleaning up, baking for the bake sale, and facilitating the event. Those interested can sign up here. Donations are also welcomed and can be made online or by mailing a check to P.O. Box 294, Grand Marais, MN.

“People come and enjoy getting to talk to their neighbors and seeing people,” said Kennedy. 

Empty Bowls offers tiered donation levels for those looking to make a larger impact. The Charles Johnson Foundation is a leading supporter, donating $20,000, followed by Dennis Rysdahl, who contributed $3,000, and several other major donors, who contributed $1,000 each. These generous contributions significantly bolster the program’s ability to provide for those in need throughout the year.

Local businesses also play a key role in filling the gap year-round. North House Folk School hosts a chowder feed in June, with proceeds benefiting the program. The Cook County Co-op selected the organization as part of the Round-up Program for the month of October, which donates 100% of the proceeds to Empty Bowls. North Shore Winery contributes 10% of the proceeds from its Rock of Ages wine.

Empty Bowls offers an opportunity to not only enjoy a comforting meal but also to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. As Beth Kennedy and others in the community have discovered, hunger is an issue that doesn’t always show on the surface. With continued community support, Empty Bowls helps ensure that fewer Cook County residents have to go without.