Tenth Annual Empty Bowls Dinner

Since 2001 Beans and Rice has been raising consciousness about hunger in the world, the US and our community through its annual Empty Bowl dinner. Since 2001 the Radford University Ceramic’s Guild has been making the bowls for the event. Over the past ten years the guild has made approximately 1200 bowls and raised nearly $30,000. Where does this money go?

Unemployment and hunger in our community has been increasing. Beans and Rice has been working to meet this need through its food pantry at Willow Woods, healthy snacks four days a week at its Monday-Thursday After School Programs, USDA and SHARE sign up programs, and a food distribution Mondays and Fridays at the Radford City Fire House.

In May of 2009 Beans and Rice joined with Radford City Department of Social Services and Daily Bread to provide the food distribution. Betty Lee has pointed out that this distribution is in the middle of Radford’s “food desert.” With food stamps on average providing only $3.50 per person per day, many elderly folks are having to choose medication or food. Pearson said “We are seeing more and more people who have gotten laid off.” WalMart provides bread and baked goods on a regular basis with some meat from time to time. Wades in Radford provides meats, dairy, and juices on a regular basis. In season the First Baptist Church garden has provided potatoes and Beans and Rice AmeriCorps VISTA Kalya Peery works with her family in Hillsville to provide fresh produce from the farmer’s market there.

The after school programs also meet a real need. Valerie Badley the AmeriCorps VISTA heading the Beans and Rice McHarg Elementary After School Program stated “The snack these children receive at the program is often the last food they have that day.” Beans and Rice runs three After School Programs in the City of Radford.

At the fundraiser each participant receives a handmade pottery bowl of their choice as well as participating in a simple meal. The bowls are symbols of the empty bowls throughout the world and a reminder to those who donated that they have helped fill these empty bowls. This year’s bowls have been made by Chris Lively, Sidra Kaluszka, and Drew Dodson. Drew says “I’ve been working on this project for the past nine years but it has really been Chris and Sidra who have put in the most time and effort the past three years.” Pearson added “These bowls are fantastic. People frequently can’t make up their mind which one they want. Many come as early as possible to get first choice” The Empty Bowl Project combines support for food distribution with raised awareness of need and has been an international movement since 1990.

In addition to the Ceramic Guild providing the bowls the local Fraternal Order of Police provide their building in free of charge. The food is provided by volunteers. Dr. Nelda Pearson cooks the beans every based on a Cajun recipe which Bernadine Banning, a regular attendee, has declared “awesome.” This means all proceeds go directly to the food programs.


This year’s Beans and Rice Empty Bowls Project dinner is set for Friday, February 12th (inclement weather date Friday February 19th) 6PM at the Fraternal Order of Police Building in Radford, located just off University Drive near the Dedmon Center. Tickets are $20.00 for adults and $10 for students. For more information call 633-6270.