The Airdrie Food Bank marked 11 years of empty bowls at their facility on East Lake Way in Airdrie on Saturday (September 23).

The 11th Annual Empty Bowls Arts Festival was held that day, a chance for the community to stop by and see how the food bank works, enjoy a free soup lunch which was provided by 19 Airdrie restaurants, and have a chance to purchase some brightly decorated bowls created by Airdrie artists.

Food bank General Manager Quinn Donaldson says the day was great. 

"This is only my third one and it's been, from what I can tell, in terms of numbers, for the ones that I've been involved with.  So we're pretty excited about that."

Donaldson says the festival really isn't about raising funds for the food bank, although she admits that is very important so the food bank can continue to operate.  She says it's more about showing their appreciation to the community of Airdrie who support the food bank whole heartedly.

"It's a great opportunity for us to bring the community together to thank them for the support they give to the food bank.  The food bank belongs to the community and we couldn't do it without them, so it's a great chance to kind of bring them together and celebrate the hard work they do to help the food bank operate.  As well, we sell the bowls and all of the proceeds of the bowls go toward supporting food bank programs and services."

Donaldson says the demand for the food bank isn't going down in Airdrie.

"We continue to be busy. Just last week we had 56 people just in our walk in program in one day. The need is still great in our community but with the support of the community we're continuing to meet that need."

The day also included pottery demos, a silent auction, artists and live music and entertainment and activities for kids.  

 

Questions, comments or story ideas? Email us at news@discoverairdrie.com