For more than 30 years, the Co-op has proudly partnered with Middlebury Studio School to host our annual Empty Bowl Fundraiser, supporting our local food shelves, CVOEO, and HOPE. We are deeply grateful to Middlebury Studio School and the generous local potters who create and donate these bowls each year.
How to Participate in the Auction
View & Bid:
Visit the Co-op November 1–23 to browse handmade bowls created and donated by local artists.
Place a Bid:
If you find a bowl you love, match its number to the auction book at the center table.
Write your name, phone number, and bid (bidding starts at $30, with a minimum $10 increase per bid).
Auction Ends:
The auction closes November 23. If you are the highest bidder, we will contact you to arrange payment and pick-up.
How to Participate in the Raffle
Last year we introduced a new tradition — the Empty Bowl Raffle — and we’re excited to continue it.
• Purchase a $5 raffle ticket at any register.
• Drop your ticket in the jar for the bowl you’d love to win.
• Two winners will be drawn at the end of the auction.
Co-op Match
This year, with increased pressure on food assistance programs due to federal cutbacks and the government shutdown, the Co-op will match 100% of winning bids, with no cap. Every dollar raised supports HOPE and CVOEO’s work to keep our neighbors fed.
About the Empty Bowl Project
Empty Bowl is an international grassroots effort that uses art and community to fight hunger. It began in the early 1990s when art teacher John Hartom and Lisa Blackburn invited students to create ceramic bowls for a simple soup supper, where guests kept their empty bowl as a reminder of those facing food insecurity.
Today, Empty Bowl events take place worldwide, raising millions of dollars annually for hunger-relief organizations and continuing to:
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Support local food shelves and hunger-relief efforts
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Raise awareness of food insecurity
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Celebrate community creativity and arts education
Why It Matters
According to Hunger Free Vermont, 2 in 5 Vermonters are experiencing hunger today. Your participation directly supports our Addison County neighbors.
