Believe it or not, there are 144 food pantries in Dutchess and Ulster Counties.  These pantries served over a half million meals last year. Hunger is everyone’s concern,  invisible epidemic. Pantries are even opening on military bases and colleges.  Soldiers risk their lives and their families are going hungry. Many users of food pantries are working people.   Maybe your neighbors. After paying their rent, heat, and electricity, many are forced to use pantries. Sadly, New York State’s allocation to pantries is $16 million short to keep the pantry shelves stocked.  But tomorrow you can help.

Hunger Action of New York State and the Bruderhoff will be hosting Empty Bowls 2016 at Maple Ridge in Ulster Park tomorrow, July 30 from 2-5PM. HANNYS is the statewide organization that addresses the root cause of hunger and advocates for food pantries. Empty Bowls is an effort to raise awareness in the fight to end hunger. Children are creating handcrafted bowls symbolizing the empty food bowls of the hungry. Hot and cold soups and fresh baked homemade breads will be provided.  Guests get to take the bowls home as a constant reminder that there is still much to do.

For more information about tomorrow's Empty Bowls fund raiser, or to RSVP, call 845-339-6680 or email emptybowls@ccimail.com.

bowl of soup
Eric Thayer/Getty Images
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