Fill a Bowl, Fulfill a Need
Southaven,MS
By Steve Dodd
Hunger is a problem nationwide and even though DeSoto County is often viewed as a rich county by some, the same issues exist here. One group of high school students is attacking the problem in an unusual way. How are they doing it? One bowl at a time. That is one hand-made, unique bowl at a time.
For the past 3 years, the Interact Club at Lewisburg High School has organized an event known as the Empty Bowl Project. This year’s event will be held Thursday, March 2 from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. The students in the Interact Club primarily make the bowls for the event but it has blossomed into a true community effort. Other students at Lewisburg High School became interested in the bowl making project and would give up their lunch hour to go to art teacher Eric Beavers room to make a unique bowl. Word spread and soon art class students at DeSoto Central, Hernando and Southaven high schools were sending hand-made bowls.
Local businesses have stepped up to provide donations to help make the Empty Bowl Project a success. “Junior’s in Hernando is making 20 gallons of soup.” said Terry Boler, sponsor for the LHS Interact Club. “Abbay’s, McAlister’s Chili’s and the Homer Skelton Foundation have all made donations. This event really brings the community together.”
The Empty Bowl Project primarily supports the Olive Branch Food Pantry and the Interfaith Food Pantry in Hernando. Combined, the two food pantries helped approximately 1,000 people in DeSoto County last year.
The cost of a ticket is $20 in advance or $25 at the door the night of the event and includes a bowl of your choice that can be taken home. Children’s tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the door. Children’s tickets do not include a ceramic bowl. The average attendance is 500 – 600 each year. “We’ve never run out of soup, but we have run out of bowls,” said Boler. “They are really beautiful. We still have a good supply at present.” If you are wanting an advance ticket, you can contact Terry Boler at terry.boler@dcsms.org.
