The Mud Studio in Middlesex, Vermont recently raised $4,370 for the Vermont Foodbank through their Central Vermont Empty Bowl Benefit. Attendees of the benefit purchased a locally made, handcrafted ceramic bowl and were offered the choice of two homemade soups to either eat at the studio or carry out.
“We thought that if people took their empty bowl home with them, it would serve as a reminder that there are many Vermonters whose bowls are literally empty every day,” said Mike Sullivan, owner of The Mud Studio, which organized and sponsored the event.
“We are so grateful to The Mud Studio and to all the event participants,” said John Sayles, Vermont Foodbank CEO. “The money raised from this event will provide more than 13,000 meals for Vermonters in need of food assistance. This is a huge accomplishment for a first time event!”
Along with the generous support from The Mud Studio, this event was also made possible with donations from Cabot Creamery, Cold Hollow Cider Mill, Dog River Farm, Hunger Mountain Coop, North Branch Café, Pete’s Greens, Red Hen Bakery, Sarducci’s, Willow Moon Farm, and several professional area potters.
Vermont Foodbank is the state’s largest hunger-relief organization, serving Vermont through a network of 270 food shelves, meal sites, shelters, senior centers and youth programs. In FY2013, the Vermont Foodbank distributed nearly 8.2 million pounds of food to as many as 86,000 Vermonters. The Vermont Foodbank, a member of Feeding America, is nationally recognized as one of the most effective and efficient nonprofits and food banks in the nation. Charity Navigator awarded the Vermont Foodbank four out of a possible four stars.