The 16th annual Empty Bowls event at Ferrum College will be on March 15, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

This event funds Panther Packs food for Ferrum Elementary School children to take home throughout the school year. Any family with food insecurity can sign their children up to receive food every week. Throughout the winter, college students, Blue Ridge Potters Guild members, and other volunteers make hundreds of clay bowls. At the event, the college dining service provides soup to eat in the unique bowl you purchase.

The silent auction offers a variety of items made by potters and other artisans–a great place to buy gifts. Throughout the school year, community and college volunteers purchase nonperishable food and pack it in bags that are delivered to the school.

In 2025, Empty Bowls at Ferrum College had record attendance and proceeds, raising over $13,000. Participating in a national network of Empty Bowls fundraisers to provide food where needed in any locality, this is the sole fundraiser for the Panther Packs program at Ferrum Elementary. With the price of food rising in recent times, every bowl donated and sold is important.

For more information, contact Nell Fredericksen, adjunct professor of art, nfredericksen2@ferrum.edu.

Check the Ferrum College Empty Bowls Facebook page for more photos and previews.