By Gabrielle Thomas ’22

Arcadia University’s 28th annual Empty Bowl Benefit Dinner — a staple of the Thanksgiving holiday season — returns as an in-person event this year on Monday, Nov. 15, from 4 to 8 p.m. in Grey Towers Castle.

At the Castle, attendees will select a ceramic bowl handcrafted by an Arcadia community member, a Cheltenham student, or an artist, which they can take home. (The ceramic bowls will not be used to eat out of for health and safety protocols.) Non-Arcadia attendees, or Arcadia community members who opted for to-go soup, will select their to-go soup before exiting the Castle. Arcadia members who opt for the traditional soup-eating experience will be led to the Great Room, where they will select from four different soup and bread options offered by Metz Catering. Note: Non-Arcadia members will not be able to eat on campus due to COVID-19. Arcadia members who wish to eat outside are welcome to eat at tables outside of the Commons; however, we will not have designated tables set up for dining on Haber Green.

Since its start in 1993, Empty Bowl has raised approximately $160,000 to benefit regional, national, and international organizations fighting hunger and homelessness. Proceeds from Empty Bowl will support the Knights for Nutrition Food Pantry, Philadelphia Rise Against Hunger, and Philadelphia Interfaith Hospitality Network. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for the Knights for Nutrition Food Pantry, which is organizing the dinner.  

Tickets are $12 for students and $15 for faculty, staff, and community members and are available here. Note: There may be an option to purchase tickets at the event, though this is not recommended.