​In October 2012, Diane Shepherd and Main Street Books sponsored the first Empty Bowls Hattiesburg fundraiser, starting a community tradition as they raised funds and awareness for the Edwards Street Fellowship Center food pantry. Empty Bowls, an international grassroots effort to fight hunger, offers potters and other craftspeople the opportunity to work with their community to create beautiful handcrafted bowls.

Empty Bowls Hattiesburg takes place each fall in and around Main Street Books and GrateFull Soul in Historic Downtown Hattiesburg. The $25 cost includes a handcrafted / hand painted bowl as well as a meal of soup, bread, dessert, and beverage. Before enjoying their meal, guests select a one-of-a-kind bowl as a reminder of all the empty bowls in the world. Food and beverages for the event are donated by dozens of local restaurants, while other generous businesses contribute everything from the venue to the use of tables and chairs. All proceeds from the event fight local hunger as they benefit the Edwards Street Fellowship Center food pantry.

Volunteers are needed each year as potters, painters, meal servers, and other event-day helpers. Please contact us if you'd like to help!
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Keep up-to-date on this year's Empty Bowls Hattiesburg by liking the Facebook page: Empty Bowls Hattiesburg.