On Saturday, March 14, the Saturday Morning Farmers Market was filled with more than fresh produce and local goods—it became a gathering place for compassion and community during the annual Empty Bowls event benefiting the Treasure Coast Food Bank. Through a meaningful partnership with St. Lucie County Schools, this year’s event raised nearly $14,000 to support local hunger‑relief efforts. Schools that participated were Fort Pierce Westwood Academy, Legacy High School, Fort Pierce Central High School, St. Lucie West Centennial High School, Lincoln Park Academy, and others.
Empty Bowls is a global, grassroots movement that uses art to raise awareness about food insecurity. Community members are invited to purchase a handcrafted bowl and enjoy a simple meal, symbolizing the empty bowls faced by so many individuals and families. All proceeds from the event directly support hunger‑fighting organizations in the local community. Thank you to the student volunteers who donated their first day of Spring Break to be a part of the hunger solution!
This year’s event highlighted the creativity and generosity of St. Lucie County students and educators, who worked together to create the bowls and help bring the event to life. Their involvement not only showcased student artistry but also reinforced the powerful role schools play in service learning and community engagement.
Held in the heart of the Treasure Coast at the farmers market, the event welcomed residents, families, and visitors who came together with a shared purpose: to help ensure that no neighbor goes hungry. The nearly $14,000 raised will support the Treasure Coast Food Bank’s ongoing efforts to provide nutritious food to individuals and families across the region.
The success of this year’s Empty Bowls event is a testament to what can be accomplished when schools, local organizations, and the community come together. Through art, empathy, and action, the Treasure Coast once again demonstrated its commitment to caring for one another—one bowl at a time. Special thank you to all the visual art teachers and Heather Blackmon-Gordon for organizing this event every year with our friends at the TCFB. Bowls featured below are from Carina Weisfeld’s Trout Bowl and Lilianna Yannopoulos’s Tiger Bowl.
