Empty Bowls: 19 Years and Counting

Ron Nasca and Ann Burns have a combined 65 years of pottery experience. But pottery is just one half of the coin — they’re also committed partners in hunger relief.

In 2007, Ron picked up an annual tradition, Empty Bowls, started by his former pottery professor at SUNY Fredonia. During the event, donated handmade pots were sold, raising $5,000 for a local mission.

Empty Bowls now benefits many more neighbors through support of FeedMore WNY’s network of partner agencies.

“All the money we collect goes to FeedMore to be distributed to the food pantries as a grant program,” Ron adds. He chose FeedMore WNY because each dollar raised has a bigger impact, thanks to the nonprofit’s network and bulk purchasing power.

Bowls are made by Ron, Ann and other local potters. The event is hosted at Wheelock School, thanks to help from principal Amy Piper, who is also a hunger relief advocate and partner with FeedMore WNY.

Ann has seen the event’s impact firsthand. She recalls meeting a woman at an Empty Bowls event who once needed to rely on FeedMore WNY for food. “She said, ‘when I needed it I got help from FeedMore, and now I’m giving back!’”

Now in its 19th year, Empty Bowls has raised over $418,000 for hunger relief in Western New York!