With an emphasis on awareness, the St. Louis Park Emergency Program (STEP) hopes to combat hunger in the community at its annual Empty Bowls event, according to event co-chair Jennifer Ortale.

Ortale said Empty Bowls is a free event that includes food and entertainment with all proceeds going to STEP.

“Our event includes a simple meal of soup and bread, with entertainment throughout the event and the opportunity to take home a locally made commemorative bowl,” Ortale said.

The event is a major fundraiser for STEP, Ortale said, allowing the organization to meet the needs of nearly one in 10 St. Louis Park residents.

“This event generally raises $20,000 or more each year,” Ortale said. “This helps STEP purchase food from food banks during the lean summer months when food needs for families can rise as children aren’t in school.”

Ortale said Empty Bowls focuses on awareness and helps St. Louis Park residents see STEP as more than a food shelf.

“(STEP) is a clothes closet; there is a program that provides rides to medical appointments and there is Emergency Assistance available for other life events,” Ortale said. “STEP helps get many St. Louis Park kids ready for school with a Back to School Program.”

Commemorative bowls, given to attendees, serve as a reminder of the hunger in the St. Louis Park community, according to Ortale.

Park pottery teacher Casey Wilson said students assist in the making of bowls for the event.

“Students are making bowls, and if they choose to donate, they could do that,” Wilson said.

Junior Muad Abdi said he believes awareness of hunger in the community is critical. He said he thinks events like Empty Bowls help open people’s eyes to the need around them.

“People need to be aware of those who are not as fortunate as others,” Abdi said.

Ortale said she encourages students to take part in the event.

“We want students to see this and to participate,” Ortale said. “Students are welcome. If you are a student and you attend, you’ll see your neighbors, your teachers, business owners, faith leaders, all coming together with a common goal: to relieve food insecurity in our community.”

Ortale said students interested in helping out or becoming involved with the event should visit www.stepslp.org and fill out the online registration form.

The Empty Bowls event will take place 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. for lunch and 4-7 p.m. for dinner Apr. 23 at Westwood Lutheran Church on Cedar Lake Road.