WILMINGTON — A beloved Cape Fear tradition returns on March 13 — Empty Bowls Wilmington aims to bring the community together for its 20-plus year tradition of fighting hunger locally.
Empty Bowls unites local potters, restaurants, volunteers, and neighbors for a simple meal that provides support for soup kitchen and pantry meals to those who need them most.
Each $50 ticket to the event includes:
• One selection from a variety of specialty soups donated by local restaurants
• An artisan bowl of your choosing to take home, handcrafted and provided by local artists
• The opportunity to share a meal in fellowship with neighbors while directly supporting hunger relief
This year’s lunch will take place from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Activity Center, 1939 Independence Blvd.
Proceeds benefit Good Shepherd Center’s Soup Kitchen and Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard’s food pantry, two organizations serving thousands of individuals and families experiencing food insecurity across the Cape Fear region.
This year’s event has a fundraising goal of $75,000. Event Chair Jane Radack said the amount reflects “both the growing need in our community and the generosity” the event sees year after year.
“When nearly 1,200 people gather around this shared meal, it sends a powerful message that Wilmington cares,” she said in a press release.
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at the 2026 Empty Bowls website.
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