JJC Using Empty Bowls to Combat Hunger on Campus

The Joliet Junior College community can help support students in need with the Empty Bowls Project, an international effort to help fight hunger in communities. 

The Empty Bowls Project encourages artists to use their talents to help raise funds for communities in need. Ceramics professor, Eric Gorder, is spearheading this fundraiser at JJC. 

Students, staff and community members are invited to come to Main Campus and make a bowl to support this initiative. Gorder will instruct two bowl-making sessions, on March 20 and April 3 from 4 to 6 p.m. Bowl-making will be held in the ceramics classroom, K-0007. 

Participants can put their own creative touches on a bowl to be donated to the fundraiser. No ceramics experience is needed. If you would like to bring a large group to make a bowl, please contact Gorder at egorder@jjc.edu. 

“It works successfully when ceramic artists come together to donate time and work (bowls) and service to make it happen.  It also presents an opportunity for those who have never worked with clay to give it a try,” said Gorder. 

On April 30 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., a luncheon will be held and the bowls available to purchase. For a $10 donation, you can select a bowl and enjoy soup, bread and a drink. The luncheon will take place on the Main Campus in the lower level of J-Building. 

Those who want to participate in the luncheon can pre-order online or purchase with cash or card the day of the event, while supplies last. 

The proceeds will help to combat food insecurities through the JJC Student Emergency Fund. Food insecurity is defined as a lack of access to proper nutrition and a reduced quality of diet. 

“There is an understanding that hunger affects many students here on our own campus. This is just one simple way that we as a community can help our own in need. By sitting down and breaking bread together, we also recognize how fortunate we are to have this opportunity to eat,” said Gorder. 

According to a study published by Urban Institute, 13.3 percent of community college students in 2015 were suffering from food insecurity. 

Amy Sims, coordinator of student activities and holistic wellness at JJC, wants people to understand that students can get help if they are struggling to find their next meal.  

“I hope that students recognize that there are resources at the college and in our community,” said Sims.

For media inquiries contact Communications and Media Coordinator Scott Harvey at 815-280-2844 or sharvey@jjc.edu.