Hundreds of people attended the 21st annual Brazos Valley Empty Bowls event in Bryan on Sunday afternoon. The event partnered with the Brazos Valley Food Bank to help fight food insecurity in the region.
Local potters and community members donated more than 400 handcrafted bowls. Restaurants and businesses, including HEB, Zeitman's, C&J Barbecue, Must Be Heaven and Blue Baker, donated the soup and fresh bread used to fill the bowls. Pottery studios, including White Lotus Pottery, Salamander Hands Pottery, U Paint-It Pottery and Temple of Compassion in Brenham, were among those who helped organize the event.
Co-organizer Amanda Bartel said the event is a way for community members and businesses to support their neighbors. Attendee Kristi Hanle, who has come for about seven years, said the event shows the community's impact. Organizers said they plan to hold the event again next year.