Community comes together at Laurier for 2026 Empty Bowls, raising more than $49,000 to fight food insecurity

May 29, 2026

Wilfrid Laurier University welcomed the community to Lazaridis Hall on May 27 for the 28th annual Empty Bowls event, raising more than $49,000 in support of The Food Bank of Waterloo Region.

Guests enjoyed gourmet soups prepared by local chefs and restaurants, served in one‑of‑a‑kind bowls handcrafted and donated by artisans from the Waterloo Potters’ Workshop. Including both lunch and dinner seatings, the event brought together staff, faculty, neighbours and supporters to help fight hunger in Waterloo Region.

“We are grateful for the overwhelming support shown at this year’s Empty Bowls event,” said Suzanne Luke, university art curator of Laurier’s Robert Langen Art Gallery. “The funds raised will make a meaningful difference for individuals and families who rely on The Food Bank of Waterloo Region, and we are proud to help strengthen that support through this long‑standing community partnership.”

Empty Bowls is organized by the Robert Langen Art Gallery in partnership with the Waterloo Potters’ Workshop. The event is part of a global movement started by artists and craftspeople who use their work to raise funds for organizations fighting hunger. Globally, Empty Bowls initiatives have generated millions of dollars for food‑related charities.

This year’s event at Laurier continued that legacy. The more than $49,000 raised will provide 98,664 meals for the nearly 73,000 adults and children in Waterloo Region who rely on food assistance. Since launching in 1998, local Empty Bowls events have helped provide more than 1.6 million meals to individuals in Waterloo Region.

This year’s Empty Bowls event was sponsored by Bennett Wealth Management of RBC Dominion Securities Inc., with in‑kind support from Belgian Nursery, Cobs Bread, Canadian Linen, Pottery Supply House and Tucker’s Pottery Supplies.

Learn more about The Food Bank of Waterloo Region.