AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austinites assisting those facing food insecurity gathered Sunday for the 29th annual Austin Empty Bowl Project.
Three thousand custom clay bowls were available to purchase, along with soup, live music, a raffle and a silent auction. All proceeds from the Austin Empty Bowl Project (AEBP) would go to Meals on Wheels Central Texas (MOWCT) and the Central Texas Food Bank (CTFB) to provide food for those in need.
According to the AEBP, in collaboration with the 30 restaurants, CTFB and MOWCT, 200 gallons of soup were contributed during the event.
Austinites waiting in line to enter the Central Texas Food Bank in Austin, Texas, on Nov. 23, 2025. (KXAN Photo)
Volunteers showing how to make bowls out of clay in Austin, Texas, on Nov. 23, 2025. (KXAN Photo)
Custom made clay bowl. (KXAN Photo)
Attendees purchasing custom made clay bowls in Austin, Texas, on Nov. 23, 2025. (KXAN Photo)
Attendees purchasing custom made clay bowls in Austin, Texas, on Nov. 23, 2025. (KXAN Photo)
Custom made clay bowl. (KXAN Photo)
Attendees purchasing custom made clay bowls in Austin, Texas, on Nov. 23, 2025. (KXAN Photo)
“I’ve been to [Austin Empty Bowls Project] every single year,” said Quiltmaker and longtime attendee, Nancy Elder. Over the 29 years of attending the event, she has made 22 quilts, all with strong purpose.
“To me, this is how I do it — the effort I put in, I have fun doing,” said Elder. “How much better can something be? That I have fun — I have creativity, and then children get to eat.”
Quiltmaker and long-time attendee Nancy Elder in Austin, Texas, on Nov. 23, 2025. (KXAN Photo)
“This annual event is a cherished Austin tradition,” said President and CEO of the CTFB Sari Vatske. She further detailed the reality some face during the holiday season when it comes to food access.
“Unfortunately, hunger doesn’t take a holiday break,” said Vatske. “Every bowl purchased is critical as it helps ensure more children and families can experience the joy and comfort of a full table this season and beyond.”
Since AEBP’s inception in 1997, it has raised $1.4 million, with the mission to beat last year’s donation amount of $120,000.
For more information, visit the Austin Empty Bowl Project webpage.
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