With $17,000 raised, Huntington’s 13th annual Empty Bowls has provided Facing Hunger Foodbank with the power to purchase 127,500 meals for those in need in the Tri-State. Photos by Rick Haye.

The total was announced during a check presentation today in the 3rd floor atrium of Marshall University’s Drinko Library.

“With this year’s earnings, we can now say Huntington Empty Bowls has given Facing Hunger Foodbank the purchasing power of more than 1.3 million meals since it began in 2003,” said Don Van Horn, dean of Marshall’s College of Arts and Media. “The incredible impact is the result of many, and that starts with our students, who contribute the vast majority of the bowls sold to generate the funding to support the Foodbank.”

Between Marshall ceramics students, Huntington Museum of Art contributions and local potters, more than 1,000 handcrafted bowls were sold April 15 during this year’s Empty Bowls. Each Empty Bowl sold for $15 and included a modest lunch. Each purchase also represented a 112.5-meal buying power (7.5 meals per dollar) to Facing Hunger Foodbank, according to Bethany Freeman, director of communications for Facing Hunger Foodbank.