Help fill empty bowls for empty stomachs

There are many people who are struggling to make ends meet, especially during a pandemic and an uncertain economy. There are some that are unable to put food on the table and these people are slowly falling through the cracks. Lorain County Community College is trying to help fill that gap, by hosting "Seize the Clay and Stock the Cupboards" Thursday, Oct. 6, at 4 p.m at the Norton Culinary Arts Center. "Empty Bowls started as a grassroots effort in a Michigan high school," said Diane Marrapese, ceramics instructor and arts laboratory instructional assistant. "The arts teacher, John Hartom, had his students make ceramic bowls and for a small donation they were able to get a meal of soup or bread." According to Marrapese, this 1990 occurrence spread to "Empty Bowl" events held worldwide with more than a million dollars being raised to help those in need. With a minimum of a $20 donation, guests are able to select a handmade bowl made and designed by LCCC students and art faculty. Along with the ceramic bowl, guests can enjoy a multitude of soups made by LCCC's culinary arts students. "It's all about helping the community that we're a part of," Marrapese said. "We'll also be selling pottery made by students and staff, everything we make from this event will be going straight to the school's food pantry, the Commodore Cupboard." Guests are asked to preregister at www.lorainccc.edu/culinary-institute/empty-bowls or bit.ly/3MfbNaF. Contact Destiny Torres at dtorres@chronicet.com or (440) 329-7123.