For the first time in five years, YWCA Peterborough Haliburton is bringing back its renowned fundraiser, Empty Bowls, for an in-person seated lunch event, announced on Wednesday.
The event is on Feb. 23 at The Venue. It raises funds to support the Nourish food program operated by the YWCA which provides fresh food at affordable costs to families experiencing hunger.
“As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of this wonderful event, we are thrilled to be able to return to sharing food together with our community,” says Kim Dolan, YWCA executive director. “Food insecurity is a critical health issue and a core barrier for women experiencing gender-based violence. The majority of our food box recipients are single mothers, and we’re so grateful to our partners, sponsors and everyone who joins us for Empty Bowls to help women feed their families and live their lives with dignity.”
The Nourish program offers food box deliveries, educational workshops, food preparation skill-building, and community gardening. With community support, roughly 260 food boxes each month to individuals and families around the Peterborough area according to a press release. Nourish also runs a weekly market at Curve Lake First Nation, bringing produce from local farms to the community at affordable prices.
Doors will open at 11:30 a.m. for Early Bird VIP ticket holders ($75), for the best selection of lunch options and bowls and noon for General Admission ticket holders ($60).
The ticket price includes one lunch meal to enjoy on-site and a one-of-a-kind ceramic or wooden bowl, hand-crafted and generously donated by local artisans.