Empty Bowls

Join us for Empty Bowls, November 12, 2026

Every day, students face difficult choices between paying for groceries, housing, transportation, and education. Empty Bowls brings our community together to help ensure that no Riverland student has to choose between going to college and going hungry.

Join friends, neighbors, students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community supporters for an evening of great food, handcrafted art, and meaningful impact. Together, we can help remove barriers that stand in the way of student success.

Your attendance supports efforts to address food insecurity and provide resources that help students stay enrolled, complete their education, and build brighter futures.

Purchase Tickets

Your Ticket Includes

  • Your choice of delicious homemade soup
  • Fresh roll and dessert
  • A unique handcrafted ceramic bowl to take home
  • An opportunity to support Riverland students experiencing food insecurity

Why Your Support Matters

For some students, basic needs challenges can become obstacles to completing their education. Reliable access to food improves student well-being, persistence, and academic success.

This year, thanks to a generous anonymous donor in Austin, all donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar (up to $2,500) for our Riverland Food Pantry. Proceeds from the Empty Bowls event support the Riverland Food Pantry.

Help us meet our match!  Give now to the Riverland Food Pantry.

Event Details

Date

Thursday, November 12, 2026

Location

Riverland Community College
Austin West Cafeteria
1900 8th Avenue NW
Austin, MN 55912

Schedule

Time Activity
5:30 to 6 p.m. Registration and pottery demonstration
6 to 6:30 p.m. Dinner is served; welcome by President Kat Linaker
6:30 to 7 p.m. Program and activities
7 to 7:30 p.m. Bowl selection and check out

Reserve your bowl today

Every ticket helps keep the Riverland Food Pantry stocked for students who need it.

Purchase tickets online

Contact Information

For any questions, please contact Kristin.mannix@riverland.edu or call 507-433-0634.