Second Harvest of the Greater Valley, a leading organization in emergency hunger relief serving San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties, this week announced plans for its largest fundraising event of the year: the 11th Annual Empty Bowls ‘Access’. Set for Saturday, Sept. 14, this event aims to raise $110,000 to fund the cost of two recently purchased electric forklifts, a strategic investment positioned to significantly enhance operational efficiency and expand outreach efforts.
“This initiative goes beyond a capital investment; it’s an intentional step towards multiplying our capacity to serve,” said Jessica Vaughan, CEO of Second Harvest of the Greater Valley. “The Empty Bowls event stands as an annual beacon of hope for our neighbors experiencing food insecurity. With the generous support of our community and local businesses, we can sustain food assistance programs and extend our impact throughout San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties.”
Recognized for its community brunch and engaging online auction, the Empty Bowls Benefit has been instrumental over the past decade in securing essential funds that have strengthened Second Harvest of the Greater Valley’s infrastructure for food distribution, including racking systems, refrigeration, and transportation. This year’s event will feature delicious culinary offerings from local restaurant Besitos Fine Cuisine and a dynamic auction, with all proceeds directly funding the mission.
“We invite you to join us in making a meaningful difference,” added Vaughan. “Your support of the 2024 Empty Bowls ‘Access’ event not only aids in providing nutritious meals but also supports our community’s resilience in the face of hunger.”
The event brings together community members and businesses in a unified effort to combat hunger. Empty Bowls will be hosted at 133 N. Grant Ave., Manteca, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sept. 14.
Donations for the fundraiser can be made online at https://localfoodbank.org/empty-bowls/. Participating businesses will receive recognition, highlighting their commitment to combating hunger alongside Second Harvest of the Greater Valley.
For further details on how to contribute to the 2024 Empty Bowls event, visit www.localfoodbank.org.
Second Harvest of the Greater Valley Food Bank opened in 1976 initially serving senior citizens in San Joaquin County. Over the years it has expanded its reach and impact, now distributing more than 20 million pounds of food to 350,000 people annually in San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties through a network of over 95 partners and food distribution programs.
Second Harvest of the Greater Valley is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and a member of Feeding America and California Association of Food Banks.
