According to Feeding America, more than 17% of Alabamians struggled with food insecurity in 2022. That’s why people gathered at Bush Baptist Church to help.
“It provides the money to provide food for our social services,” said Donna Kidd, Director of the Pike County Salvation Army. “We serve so many people who are struggling right now who have never struggled before. People who are working long hours just to try and provide and still cannot get everything that they need.”
The Empty Bowls project is an annual event that aims to raise money in order to fight hunger insecurity.
We don’t see homeless people everywhere in Troy like you see in some of the bigger cities, but they’re here. They’re just hidden well.”
Director of the Pike County Salvation Army Donna Kidd
For $20, participants enjoyed an all-you-can-eat meal, live entertainment, a silent auction, and a handcrafted bowl to take home.
“It’s nice to see the community coming together to support our local folks,” said Pike County resident Kim Livingston.
Each bowl is created by a local artisan and holds a lot of symbolism.
“Every time you look at that bowl we want you to know that although you have something to eat, not everybody has that benefit,” Kidd explained. “Not everybody has food for their bowl.”
The Pike County Salvation Army’s goal is to raise $10,000. If you would like to support that mission, you can donate to its food pantry, which is open six days a week.
