Addressing Food Insecurity in Union County: A Community Response

Hunger takes a profound toll on individuals and communities. Food insecurity is linked to many serious health conditions affecting people of all ages, as well as various adverse social outcomes.

Lack of access to nutritious food is a critical public health issue driven by factors such as unemployment, poverty, and income shocks. Children and seniors are particularly vulnerable, with many families relying on school meal programs and local food pantries to meet their basic needs.

In central Ohio and Union County, IMPACT60 strives to bring awareness and importance to many initiatives, with food insecurity and hunger being essential. At IMPACT60, we believe it starts by making a difference, one hour at a time.

The Union County Empty Bowls Project

We invite local businesses, residents, and community members to purchase tickets and join us in a unique and creative initiative to address food insecurity in our area. Each of us plays a vital role in the fight against hunger, which is why we are excited to introduce the Union County Empty Bowls Project, where you can give back and make a positive impact in our community.

Clay, Culinary, Community—these are the three pillars of the Union County Empty Bowls Project. This project emphasizes the importance of community and caring for one another, combining the arts with creative cooking for a meaningful experience. With support from local chefs, potters, artists, and volunteers, we invite individuals and groups to register in advance to participate in this impactful initiative.

How You Can Help

For the Union County Empty Bowls Project, our goal is to create 300 clay bowls, and we need your help! In partnership with Crooked Door Studio and The Marysville Art League, volunteers throughout Union County can purchase tickets to share their inner 'artist' to craft and glaze ceramic bowls for our Community Meal planned for March 16, 2025.

The Community Meal

Once all of the bowls have been glazed and fired, on March 16, 2025, we invite ticket holders to Bistro '52 at the Inpatient Pavilion in Memorial Hospital for the Community Meal. Attendees will receive one of the locally made stoneware bowls and enjoy gourmet soup, homemade bread, and dessert prepared by the culinary expertise of local chefs and bakers in our community.

Each bowl, which you can keep, is a reminder that no bowl should be empty. In communities around the country, the hand-crafted bowl is a collector item!

Our Broader Impact

The Union County Empty Bowls Project aims to raise funds for high school food pantries, Blessings in a Backpack, and Impact Station, as well as increase local awareness about poverty and hunger. IMPACT60 invites you to purchase a ticket to participate in this project with us. We cannot tackle a resolution to food insecurity without the support of our community.

Our schools play a vital role in the solution as well. In the coming weeks, we will spotlight local school districts who are contributing to this initiative. Students are using their talents to create bowls for the Community Meal which demonstrates how students are helping students. Stay tuned for stories that highlight the Empty Bowls Project which showcases the power of the arts for bringing community together to raise awareness of social issues close to home.

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Help Us Fight Food Insecurity

Join IMPACT60 in making a difference. Whether through volunteering your time or making a donation, your support directly impacts families in Central Ohio.

IMPACT60 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.