Empty Bowls Raises $9,077 for HACAP
Marion Arts Festival Empty Bowls Committee Donates $9,077 to HACAP’s Food Reservoir Program
Marion, Iowa (July 1, 2026) - The Marion Arts Festival Empty Bowls Committee announced a donation of $9,077 to HACAP’s Food Reservoir Program, representing the proceeds from the 2026 Empty Bowls fundraiser held during this year’s Marion Arts Festival.
The Empty Bowls initiative is part of an international grassroots movement that uses art and community engagement to raise awareness about food insecurity while supporting local hunger‑relief efforts. Since 1996, students, teachers, artists, and community members across the Corridor have contributed handcrafted ceramic and wooden bowls to the Marion Arts Festival’s Empty Bowls sale.
“Empty Bowls is a powerful reminder that many families in our community face empty bowls every day,” said a representative of the Empty Bowls Committee. “We are proud that the funds raised stay right here in our community, supporting organizations like HACAP that work tirelessly to ensure families have access to nutritious food.”
This year’s fundraiser was made possible through the generosity of presenting sponsor Veridian Credit Union, along with local and regional artists, students, teachers, volunteers, and community partners. Special appreciation was extended to Joshua Gerber, art teacher at Kennedy High School and instructor at The Ceramics Center, for managing the Empty Bowls sale and coordinating the project each year.
Since its inception, Empty Bowls at the Marion Arts Festival has raised thousands of dollars to support local hunger‑relief efforts. The 2026 donation will help HACAP’s Food Reservoir Program stock local food pantries and support families facing food insecurity throughout Eastern Iowa.
“Support from the Marion Arts Festival’s Empty Bowls fundraiser directly strengthens our ability to keep local pantries stocked with nutritious food. This donation helps us reach families who are facing real and immediate hardship, and we’re deeply grateful for the community’s commitment to fighting hunger alongside us," said HACAP Food Reservoir Director, Aron Brecht.
