Fighting hunger one bowl at a time

MESA, Arizona — Oct. 4, 2016 —The community is invited to participate in Mesa Community College’s (MCC) Empty Bowls events at both college campuses in observance of World Food Day (Oct. 16, 2016). For a $10 donation patrons may select a one-of-a-kind, handcrafted ceramic bowl and receive a modest, yet delicious meal of soup and bread.

For more than two decades MCC’s Art Department, in collaboration with local businesses, schools and community groups, has offered Empty Bowls as a way to garner support for a national movement to feed the hungry and homeless. All proceeds from MCC Empty Bowls events directly benefit those served by Paz de Cristo Community Center, the nonprofit providing anti-hunger and empowerment support for the East Valley's homeless, unemployed, working poor and their families.

“Food insecurity, is a social condition where individuals and households have limited or uncertain access to adequate food. Hunger is an individual’s condition that may result from food insecurity,” explained Linda Speranza, MCC Art Faculty. “One-hundred percent of our proceeds go Paz de Christo, a community-based interfaith charity, providing assistance to help individuals and families overcome food insecurity and hunger. ”

Last year, the collaboration of MCC students, local businesses and community partners raised more than $14,000 last year [2015] which was used by Paz de Cristo to provide over 100,000 meals to the disadvantaged in the Phoenix East Valley. Organizers hope to exceed what was raised last year at each campus.

“During this past year, Paz de Cristo served over 86,000 evening meals and provided almost 14,000 food boxes to families in Mesa and the East Valley,” said Paz de Cristo Director Arlen Westling. “In addition, 885 people took advantage of our clothing distributions and over 700 individuals used our shower program.  We also helped with numerous Arizona I.D. vouchers, birth certificates, bus tickets, diapers, personal care items and hygiene products.

“Above all, we are heartened by our Career Employment Opportunity (CEO) program results. This past year 432 individuals made 900 visits to our jobs center to get assistance with resumes, job searches, job leads and one-on-one coaching from our staff and volunteers. Many of these individuals are getting good jobs and most are keeping the jobs they get!”

Wednesday, Oct. 19 at MCC’s Red Mountain Campus
7110 E. McKellips Rd. (Mesquite Building, Community Room)
Hours: 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. and 5-8 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 26 at MCC’s Southern and Dobson Campus
1833 W. Southern Ave., (Kirk Student Center, Navajo Room)
Hours: 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. and 5-8 p.m.

Local artists will perform during Empty Bowls at MCC’s Southern and Dobson campus: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., with Ken Feighner, Bagpiper; and 5-8 p.m., with Carol Pacey & The Honey Shakers.[Office4] 

Special gratitude is extended to the wonderful ceramics students who donate their time and talent and the local organizations that make contributions to help feed the hungry and homeless in our community. This year’s sponsors include: Alpine Bread Company, Pita Jungle, Red, White & Brew, Shamrock Foods, T.C. Eggingtons, Alphagraphics-Mesa Baseline, Carol Pacey & The Honey Shakers, Classic Party Rentals, Dobson High School, Dreamland Villa’s Ceramic Chaos, Golden Vista RV Resort Ceramics Club, Ken Feighner, Laugna Clay Company, Marjon Ceramics, Mesa Arts Center, MCC Art Department, New Frontiers, Northern Arizona University – Mesa Campus, Ricoh, and Standard Restaurant Supply.

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Contacts
Dawn Zimmer, (480) 461-7892, Dawn.Zimmer@mesacc.edu
Sally Mesarosh, 480-461-7283, sally.mesarosh@mesacc.edu

Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for its service-learning, civic engagement and innovative educational programs, which include university transfer, career and technical, workforce development, and lifelong learning.  Host to 40,000 students annually, MCC offers more than 195 degrees and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations. MCC’s student body hails predominantly from the East Valley of Phoenix and includes Veteran, American Indian and International students who enrich the learning experience. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to compete locally and globally. MCC is one of 10 colleges that comprise the Maricopa County Community College District. The District also includes the Maricopa Corporate College and two skill centers. For additional information, visit mesacc.edu.

Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) http://www.ncahlc.org, 800-621-7440.

The Maricopa County Community College District is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.