Clear Fork Empty Bowls luncheon set for Nov. 15

BELLVILLE – A simple bowl of soup can make a big difference! The community is invited to gather for the 2026 Clear Fork Empty Bowls Soup Luncheon & Fundraiser on Sunday, Nov. 15, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Clear Fork High School.

This heartwarming annual event brings neighbors together to enjoy a delicious meal while helping fight hunger throughout the Clear Fork Valley.

Clear Fork Empty Bowls is more than just a soup luncheon — it’s an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of local families facing food insecurity. Guests will enjoy a delicious selection of homemade soups generously donated by area restaurants and volunteers, along with bread and dessert.

The meal is offered by donation, and guests contributing $15 or more may select a beautiful, one-of-a-kind, hand-painted bowl to take home. Lovingly decorated by local children and adults, each bowl serves as a lasting reminder that while some enjoy plenty, others struggle to put food on the table.

All proceeds benefit the Bellville Neighborhood Outreach Center (BNOC) and its Food Pantry, which provides essential food assistance to families and individuals throughout the Clear Fork Valley and surrounding communities.

“Clear Fork Empty Bowls is a beautiful way for people to share a meal and make a real impact,” said event organizer Terri Hamilton. “Every bowl taken home represents hope and help for a neighbor in need.”

Making a Difference Beyond the Bowl

The Bellville Neighborhood Outreach Center Food Pantry currently serves approximately 175 households, representing nearly 400 individuals, each month. Operated entirely by volunteers, BNOC’s commitment to fighting hunger extends far beyond its regular food pantry services.

Throughout the year, BNOC provides holiday food baskets to families in need, packs weekend food bags for Clear Fork students, delivers food boxes to area senior citizens, and offers monthly distributions of additional free produce from April through October.

Through partnerships with local retailers, BNOC also assists other area food pantries with getting food, extending its reach to even more neighbors in need.

Events like Clear Fork Empty Bowls play an important role in helping BNOC continue these vital programs and respond to the growing needs of the community.

A community effort worth celebrating

The success of Clear Fork Empty Bowls is made possible through the remarkable generosity of local restaurants, businesses, artists, volunteers, and community members who come together in support of a shared mission.

Soup and bread donors include Black Dog Tavern, Der Dutchman, Fast Eddie’s Pizza, Kara’s Bread, Pancho’s Tacos, River Rock, V&M Restaurant, Whiffletree, and Wishmaker House.

Generous event sponsors include Allen Cabinetry, Elite Insurance Agency, Gorman-Rupp Industries, Park National Bank, Schmidt Total Protection, Terra Valley Excavating, Cassie Swisher of Haring Realty, Griffon Jewelers, Weekley Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep, Appleseed/Clear Fork Veterinary, Hill & Rooks Wealth Management Team, Jackson Geothermal, Mechanics Bank, Peter’s Plumbing & Repair, Snyder Funeral Homes, Valley Accounting, Wise Builders, Adam Brokaw Construction, Beachy Family Chiropractic, Fred’s Service & Repair, Green Bean House, Revive Coffee Bar, Rustik Market/Smith Hardware, Sentec Systems, Wade Gardens, and Wilson Family Realty.

A special thank-you goes to the Mansfield Art Center and Mayco Colors for their generous contributions of supplies and facilities used in glazing and firing the hundreds of unique, hand-painted bowls that make this event so special.

BNOC is deeply grateful for the continued kindness and generosity of the Clear Fork community.

From the artists who paint the bowls to the restaurants preparing soup, the businesses providing sponsorships, and the neighbors gathering around the table, every contribution helps make a difference.

Join us on Nov. 15 for a bowl of soup, a sense of community, and the opportunity to help fill empty bowls throughout the Clear Fork Valley.

Together, we can make sure our neighbors know they are not alone.