Empty Bowls fundraiser returns Oct. 8 to keep pantry shelves full

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Empty Bowls is a fundraiser to support Friedens' four local pantries. 

You can purchase tickets ahead of time HERE. All of the proceeds go toward the pantries, which serve 45,000 people across SE Wisconsin. 

"Right now, is just a great time considering we're seeing a 40% increase of usage in our centers. This is due to the rising cost of living and a number of other factors," said Sophia Torrijos the executive director of Friedens Food Pantries. 

Dozens of local artists created these empty bowls to keep pantry shelves full.

"Handmade, I mean, sometimes these bowls take weeks to create, and they're using their pottery wheel, sometimes they're sketching on them, sometimes they're carving them," said Torrijos. "Each one is super unique." 

And thanks to about 20 local restaurants, on Oct. 8th, the bowls won't be empty. 

"Fall is in the air so now is the perfect time to get soup. You get to enjoy Lakefront beer and live entertainment," said Torrijos. 

Each ticket is $30. It will get you a bowl and three sample soups. You can also buy a ticket to try more soup for just $11. 

This event has been around for more than 20 years. It draws big crowds, and this is the first time people can buy tickets ahead of time.