Community rallies to fight hunger at Flemington Area Food Pantry’s Empty Bowl fundraiser
RARITAN TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Hunterdon County) — Hunterdon County Commissioner Susan J. Soloway joined dozens of community members and volunteers Friday, Oct. 10, at the Flemington Area Food Pantry’s annual “Empty Bowl” fundraiser, an event that raises money to support local families facing hunger.
“The Empty Bowl Fundraiser is more than just a meal — it’s a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when a community comes together to care for one another,” Soloway said. “The funds raised today directly support our neighbors in need, and I want to thank the Flemington Area Food Pantry in their mission to fight hunger and uplift families throughout Hunterdon County.”
The fundraiser, held from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the pantry’s Route 31 location across from Walmart, offered guests a take-out lunch featuring a variety of soups donated by local restaurants and food providers. The $35 ticket included a mini sandwich, dessert, bottled water, and a handcrafted ceramic bowl, all delivered directly to attendees’ cars.
Local restaurants and food vendors — including Basil Bandwagon, Matt’s Red Rooster, Metropolitan Seafood, and Viva Mexico — donated soups for the event. A pottery sale was also held nearby, offering home décor pieces and handmade gifts just in time for the holiday season.
The Empty Bowl fundraiser is one of the Flemington Area Food Pantry’s most important sources of support. The nonprofit relies heavily on donations and community partnerships to provide food and personal care items to income-qualified residents of Hunterdon County, with more than 80 percent of its funding coming from individual and corporate contributions.
For more information about the Flemington Area Food Pantry, to make a donation, or to support future events, visit flemingtonfoodpantry.org.
