The biggest part of the Empty Bowls mission is to increase public awareness of hunger issues, because many do not know how pervasive hunger is in this county. Feeding America statistics report it would take over 5 million dollars annually to meet the needs of the hungry in Monongalia County.
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The Monongalia County school system indicates 15.2% of our children are food insecure and 41.86% of our children receive free or reduced lunch. Many of our school-age children are food insecure, but food insecurity is also a problem for our seniors and working poor.
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Empty Bowls board members are available to speak to groups throughout the county to tell the story about hunger concerns and the needs of county food pantries and meal programs. Additionally, we encourage students of all ages to participate in Empty Bowls service programs by making and decorating bowls for our luncheon, creating posters for display, and volunteering on the day of the event.
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To arrange for someone to speak to your organization, please contact Executive Director Brian Diller at briandiller@ebmon.org or 304-241-5510
Our long range goals include:
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Being known as the primary organization in Monongalia County focusing on food insecurity;
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Encourage long-term giving by Increasing our endowment fund through Your Community Foundation;
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Exploring ways to maximize funds raised to increase our contributions to agencies serving those living with food insecurity;
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Exploring additional ways to assist local agencies throughout the year;
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Continuing a second major fundraising event (Fall Fun Raiser) to provide additional funding to the agencies that support the food insecure population in Monongalia County.
Our on-going goals include:
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To raise as much money as possible to feed the hungry people in our county;
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To increase public awareness of hunger, food insecurity, and related issues;
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To advocate for Arts Education;
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To provide a powerful service learning project for students of all ages.
Our short-range goals include:
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Strengthening our relationships with our recipient (meal programs, food banks) community;
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Strengthening our relationship with the business and corporate community;
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Strengthening our relationship with our art/pottery community
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Strengthening our relationship with our patron community;
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Promoting the Empty Bowls mission of supporting Monongalia County agencies that serve families threatened by food insecurity;
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Continuing to increase the number of non-perishable food drives to provide additional resources to local food pantries.