Take-Out and Dinner Options Still Available for Kennett Square Empty Bowls Event
One of Kennett Square’s most meaningful community traditions returns Saturday, February 27, as Empty Bowls invites neighbors to gather for a simple meal with a powerful purpose. Hosted by Kennett Area Community Service at St. Michael Lutheran Church, the annual fundraiser blends art, food, and compassion to support local hunger relief efforts.
While the 12:00 to 2:00 pm lunch seating is officially sold out, there is still time to participate in the take-out option from 3:00 to 5:00 pm or the dinner seating from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.
Part of an international grassroots movement, Empty Bowls raises awareness about food insecurity through a shared meal experience. Guests enjoy soup, salad, bread, and dessert, then select a handcrafted ceramic bowl to take home. The bowl serves as a reminder of the many empty bowls that still exist in homes throughout the community.
Choosing just one bowl is often described as the hardest and most meaningful part of the event. With so many beautiful, hand thrown bowls created by local artists, picking a favorite is not easy. Each piece is unique, just like the neighbors the fundraiser helps support. More than a keepsake, the bowl becomes a symbol of compassion, community, and the shared belief that no one should face hunger alone.
This year, local creativity is on full display thanks to a special Throw Down hosted by Centered Clay Studio KSQ. The studio brought together talented artists to create one of a kind bowls specifically for Empty Bowls. Organizers expressed gratitude for the partnership, noting that each handcrafted piece helps turn soup into support for neighbors facing hunger.
The meal itself is another highlight of the event. This year’s soups are crafted by several favorite local chefs, offering a diverse and flavorful menu. Guests can enjoy Fasolada, a Greek white bean soup from Emis, Broccoli Potato and Cheddar Soup from Sweet Amelia’s, Gourmet Mushroom Bisque from Mother Nature’s Sun, Curried Carrot and Sweet Potato Soup from Talula’s Table, and Sophia’s Chicken Soup from Naked Olive.
Proceeds from Empty Bowls directly support Kennett Area Community Service programs, including the KACS Food Cupboard, which distributes nutritious food to more than 3,500 individuals each month. In addition to food access, the organization provides case management services, housing initiatives, and educational workshops designed to help families move toward long term stability.
Volunteers, artists, chefs, sponsors, and community members all play a role in bringing Empty Bowls to life. Whether attending dinner in person or picking up a take-out meal, participants leave knowing their contribution helps provide food, resources, and hope to neighbors in need.
Dinner and take-out tickets remain available, but space is limited. Organizers encourage community members to secure their spots and be part of an event that proves a simple bowl of soup can make a lasting difference.
For tickets and more information, visit https://kacsimpact.org/empty-bowls/
About Jamie Kleman
Jamie Kleman is a children’s author, playwright, TEDx speaker, and the Executive Producer of It’s Not Mean to be Green, an award-winning book and musical that toured for two years and launched a national Make a Monster Difference movement. She is the creator of the It’s Not Mean to be Green Camp and Licensing Program, a turnkey theatre and sustainability curriculum adopted by schools, libraries, museums, homeschool networks, and youth organizations.
