Hundreds gather to fight hunger at annual Empty Bowls fundraiser

Hundreds of people throughout north central Florida gathered in Gainesville to raise funds to fight against hunger and food insecurity.

Bread of the Mighty hosted its annual fundraising luncheon titled, “Empty Bowls,” at the UF Hilton Conference Center, located at 1714 SW 34th St., on Thursday.

Patrick Dodds, the executive director of Bread of the Mighty, said the event introduced supporters to the merger and collaboration of the local food bank and Feeding Northeast Florida.

“We are advocating for food systems and solving the root cause that leads people to food insecurity,” Dodds said. “The merger allows Feeding Northeast Florida to provide us with more staff, storage and a wealth of knowledge.”

The Bread of the Mighty food bank has been in the community for about 35 years and serves Alachua, Dixie, Gilchrist, Lafayette, and Levy counties. The organization says one in seven people face food insecurity.

Approximately 28,450 people face insecurity in Alachua County. The nonprofit has distributed more than 3 million pounds of food and works with 170 other neighboring nonprofit agency partners, including churches, shelters and food pantries.

Dodds, who took over at the food bank this year, said it's his mission to continue helping those in need.

“My goal is to help empower people and help provide assistance to the community,” he said.

The event featured notable public figures, including the mayor of Gainesville and keynote speaker Steve Spurrier, the legendary former University of Football head coach and Heiman-winning quarterback.

Spurrier donated $15,000 to Bread of the Mighty and auctioned a football with autographs from popular UF football players for $5,000. He also auctioned off two club seats for the UF vs. University of Georgia game for $3,200.

“If you give money to this group, you know that it will be used wisely,” he said.

Each year, the event features ceramic bowls created by Alachua County students to raise awareness about world hunger.

Susan King, the CEO of Feeding Northeast Florida, said food insecurity is very much a "real thing." The Jacksonville-based nonprofit serves Baker, Bradford, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam, and St. Johns counties and secures donations from retailers, growers, government agencies and other organizations.

“It’s an incredible opportunity for neighbors, friends, and everyone all around us to help those who face empty bowls,” King said of the event.

Anna James, the director of the High Springs Mobile Pantry, said the fundraiser is a great way for community members to come together to raise funds to combat food insecurity. She said the pantry helps serve over 500 rural families with about 20 members on the team.

“We’re driven to help other people in our district,” James said. “We love one another and come from different walks of life. Empty Bowls gives you the reminder that people are in hunger and in need.”

James said the pantry gives away food every Wednesday, at 23517 NW 185th Road in High Springs at the High Springs Farmers Market Pavilion from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

“It has become my passion to see how we can help out,” James said.

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Steve Spurrier, mayor, others gather at Empty Bowls annual fundraiser in Gainesville