North Texas Food Bank Perot Family Campus [Photo: North Texas Food Bank/LinkedIn]

The North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) will host its 26th annual Empty Bowls fundraiser on Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the nonprofit’s Perot Family Campus in Plano.

Presented by Kroger, the evening will feature tastings from leading local chefs, beverages, and the opportunity to take home a one-of-a-kind, handcrafted bowl created by local artists.

“We’re excited to mark the 26th year of Empty Bowls and the lasting impact this event has had in supporting our mission to close the hunger gap in North Texas,” Trisha Cunningham, president and CEO of the North Texas Food Bank, said in a statement.

“Together with our presenting sponsor, Kroger, Empty Bowls has helped provide nearly 9 million meals for children, families, and seniors,” she added. “Kroger’s continued partnership, from food donations to financial support, plays an essential role in helping our neighbors get the food they need.”

Celeb chef, Texas Jazz Cats, silent auction, and more

The event will be highlighted by live entertainment from the Texas Jazz Cats, a wine pull, and a silent auction. In addition to “great food and entertainment,” each guest can select a handcrafted bowl made by a local artisan to take home, which is meant to serve as a reminder that not everyone has access to a full bowl.

This year’s featured celebrity chef is Nikky Phinyawatana, founder and chef of the Asian Mint restaurant group in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. Known for her thoughtful approach to Thai cuisine, she has earned honors such as Dallas Eater’s #1 Best Thai Food and a spot on CultureMap’s Top 100 Restaurants list. In 2024, she debuted her cookbook, Thai Food and Travel with Chef Nikky. She launched her own signature sauces, now available at Asian Mint locations, online, and at Central Market stores throughout Dallas.

NTFB said that Phinyawatana’s passion for “sharing bold flavors and authentic experiences brings a special energy to this year’s Empty Bowls event.”

Number of Texans facing hunger remains high

Empty Bowls shines light on the fact that hunger is real in North Texas, and “it takes all of us working together to make a difference,” NTFB said.

Proceeds from Empty Bowls directly support the North Texas Food Bank’s hunger relief programs at a time when need remains high. Texas continues to rank first nationally in the number of people facing hunger. Nearly 744,000 individuals across NTFB’s 12-county service area face food insecurity, unsure of their next meal. About one-third of those impacted are children.

“Kroger is proud to continue our support of Empty Bowls as the presenting sponsor,” said John Votava, Director of Corporate Affairs for Kroger’s Dallas Division. “Through our Zero Hunger Zero Waste commitment, we work year-round with the North Texas Food Bank to provide families across North Texas with access to the fresh, nutritious food and resources they need when they need it the most.”

Tickets for the 21-and-over event are $100 and are available here.

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