5 Loaves Pantry is hosting an Empty Bowls Soup Supper featuring ceramic bowls handcrafted by McClave School students January 25 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the school cafeteria. Attendees will choose a one-of-a-kind bowl, then have it filled with a delicious soup prepared by pantry volunteers. Cost of a bowl and supper will be $15. For those who want only supper, the cost will be $5.  All proceeds benefit 5 Loaves Pantry and will be used to purchase food for hungry families. Supper will include soup, crackers, dessert and drinks.  

Empty Bowl Soup Suppers were conceived by a Michigan teacher as a way for students to creatively support a food drive.  The name serves as a reminder of the Empty Bowls in our community.  McClave Art teacher Dan Cochell has been instrumental in the effort as he used the project to teach art principles, hands-on skills, and community service to his students.  Approximately 300 bowls were decorated by McClave students in all grades.

For more information about the Empty Bowls Soup Supper, or to purchase tickets, contact one of these committee members:  Lora Cline at 719-829-4425, Doris Hemphill at 719-691-1877, Kaye Kasza at 719-688-2299 or Kara Leighty at 719-829-4992.

5 Loaves Pantry served 1092 families, including 3198 people in 2018.  Most were from Bent County, with the next-largest county of residence being Prowers.  Approximately 3000 pounds of food are given out at the pantry each month.   The Pantry is run by an all-volunteer committee and has received tremendous community support.      

Sponsors for the Empty Bowls Soup Supper are McClave State Bank, First National Bank of Las Animas, and Valley Grocery.