This fall, the board and staff of Montavilla Farmers Market held our first annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser at Montavilla Brew Works. The event was a tremendous success, bringing people together to discuss, support, and celebrate our Double Up Food Bucks program, also known as Everybody Eats!
Through a sold-out event (over 50 members of the community purchased tickets), a fantastic food-themed silent auction, over 75 artisan-made ceramic bowls, and the generous support from our friends at Habitat for Humanity Portland ReStore, we raised over $3,500, every cent of which goes directly toward fighting hunger while supporting local farmers right here in our community.
Each year the market matches thousands of dollars in SNAP benefits for low-income farmers market shoppers. This dollar for dollar match (up to $10 per eligible customer per week) can provide several meals of fresh fruit, vegetables, eggs and healthy meats, for shoppers otherwise unable to afford it.
Thank you so much to everyone who attended and those who supported the event with their efforts. A very special thanks to Chef Chance of Artfullbelly PDX, as well as to Farm Cart and Redwood, for the delicious, locally-sourced soups, tapas, and dessert.