Pacific Lutheran University students played their part by participating in “Empty Bowls,” an event hosted by the sustainability department to promote Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.
Photo courtesy of Samantha Lund.
“Empty Bowls” welcomed the PLU community with ceramic bowls sold for $10. The bowls were filled with free soup of the buyer’s choice. The event was a joint effort between many departments on campus.
Arts and Communication students and faculty members made 190 ceramic bowls for the event. The PLU Community Garden contributed fresh vegetables for the soups. Dining and Culinary Services, alongside their food distributer Sysco, also played a role by providing the soup and holding the event from 4-6 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 19 outside Old Main Market.
“It’s a fun campuswide activity that benefits a lot of people,” said Rebecca Farris, Senior Administrative Assistant of Dining and Culinary Services.
Arts and Communication brought 190 bowls this year after last year’s 120 bowls sold out within the first hour.
Nick Lorax, head of the sustainability department, thought the involvement from so many departments was very important.
“I’m really glad we received more help from the students and professors in the arts department this year,” Lorax said. “It’s great to see students, professors and other services around campus working together for a common goal.”
After purchasing a bowl, buyers were given free soup. Dining Service chef Erick Swenson prepared a hearty beef soup, while Chef Chuk Blesson provided a lighter pumpkin soup, fitting for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.
All donations were given to Trinity Lutheran Church to benefit their current situation in aiding the homeless in the greater Parkland area.
In addition to “Empty Bowls,” PLU also encouraged students to attend the “Working for Change” panel in the Anderson University Center headed by PLU alumni. At the panel, students were presented with post-graduation opportunities about serving the hungry and homeless.
