Riverland Community College Foundation will host its annual Empty Bowls fundraiser on Friday, November 21, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in the Austin West Cafeteria (Room A235). The event aims to raise awareness and funds to address food insecurity among Riverland students, a growing concern on college campuses nationwide.

A collaboration between the Riverland ceramics program and the Riverland Foundation, Empty Bowls features handcrafted ceramic bowls made by students and faculty. Attendees will enjoy a simple soup meal, receive a one-of-a-kind bowl to take home, and hear firsthand how food insecurity affects students’ ability to succeed in college.

“We know many Riverland students face challenges with meeting their basic needs. In a recent survey, more than half of students responding to the survey indicated that they struggle with food or housing insecurity,” said Janelle Koepke, Dean of Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the Riverland Foundation. “Our students know education is the key to a brighter economic future—but they also need to know where their next meal is coming from.”

Tickets are $30 per person and must be purchased in advance by November 14 at www.riverland.edu/emptybowls. Proceeds support the Student Success Initiative, which funds the Riverland Food Pantry and emergency grants for students in need.

For those unable to attend, donations are welcome at www.riverland.edu/give.  Questions can be directed to Kristin Mannix at Kristin.Mannix@riverland.edu or 507-433-0634.