Fifth graders learn how empty bowls can fill food pantries

A table of eight students work on bowls
The bowls students crafted will be used in a fundraiser to support Schoharie County food pantries.

Once again, the Schoharie Elementary fifth grade classes had the opportunity to help end hunger in Schoharie County.

In art classes, fifth graders learned about the process of making pottery. They then painted bowls, which will be sold at the Empty Bowls fundraiser in November. At the event, the bowls may be purchased and filled with soup donated by many local restaurants. All money raised by the event is shared between the county’s food pantries. Empty Bowls is a true community collaboration.

The Studio for Art and Craft in Cobleskill supplied the bowls and supplies, and the congregation of Schoharie’s Christ the Shepherd Lutheran Church covered the cost. Not only did they purchase the bowls for students to paint, but Pastor Colleen Quirion also participated with our students and explained the impact that the event has in the community.

Pastor Colleen told the children that last year, the food pantry at her church received $600 to help restock the shelves. Fifth grade teacher Mrs. Bates coordinates the event and transports the bowls between the studio and school. Art teacher Mrs. Scofield guides the students through the process during her art classes.

Thank you to all the fifth graders that have helped with this effort over the last five years!