Oct. 11—ROCHESTER — The 20th annual Empty Bowls To-Go fundraiser presented by Channel One Regional Food Bank and Think Bank raised $90,000 to strengthen food access and build healthy communities.
About 224,500 meals will be shared with community members in 14 counties in southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin.
“We are so appreciative of the outpouring of support from the community for this event,” Channel One Regional Food Bank executive director Virginia Witherspoon said in a press release. The two-day fundraiser was held on Oct. 8-9. “Channel One relies on fundraising events like Empty Bowls To-Go during this heightened need to continue to provide fresh, healthy food to our neighbors facing food insecurity.”
Channel One said new shoppers at the food bank and total household visits show the increased need. In 2023, Channel One saw an average of 300 new households a month. In July 2024, there were 506 total new households. Throughout the 14-county region, there was a 37% increase in monthly household visits in the first half of 2024 compared to the same time in 2023. The first half of 2024 had an 82% increase in monthly household visits compared to the first half of 2022.
As the largest hunger relief organization in the region, Channel One and its partner food shelves, pantries and programs provides food assistance to those who are experiencing food insecurity.
To learn more about Channel One Regional Food Bank and its programs, visit HelpingFeedPeople.org.
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