FHS Empty Bowls Club Celebrates a Decade of Impact, Raises Over $17,000 for Franklin Food Pantry

The Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club in partnership with the Franklin Food Pantry, hosted its 10th Annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Franklin High School, raising more than $17,000 to combat food insecurity in the community. Guided by Franklin High School teacher Brenna Johnson, the club empowers students to use their artistic talents and community spirit to bring awareness of hunger. The milestone event brought together students, families, and local businesses in a powerful demonstration of community support, centered around the reminder “Somewhere, someone’s bowl is empty.”

Empty Bowls Club Members provided approximately 200 attendees with a simple supper of soup and bread. Each person received a unique, hand-crafted ceramic bowl made by a student, serving as a tangible symbol of the club's mission. The evening also featured a silent auction with original works of art, live music by The Zajac Brothers, face painting, and a selfie booth.

"The 10th anniversary of the Empty Bowls fundraiser is a testament to the community partnership between The Pantry and the Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club and dedicated advisor Brenna Johnson.” said Tina Powderly, Executive Director, Franklin Food Pantry. “This student-led event, which has raised more than $109,000 over 10 years, has endured and grown, and speaks volumes about the values of our town and the heart of our young people. We are so grateful for their ongoing support, which has a direct and significant impact on the lives of our neighbors. “

(L-r) Jeff Roy, Brenna Johnson

The Richard J. Johnson Empty Bowls Scholarships, renamed this year in honor of Brenna Johnson’s father and funded by the Franklin Food Pantry, were awarded in the amount of $500 each to graduating seniors Isabella Kabat and Cleo St. Vrain Lary. Additionally, Brenna Johnson was recognized during the event by the State Representative Jeff Roy and the Massachusetts House of Representatives and Senate for exemplary community service.

The success of this year's event was made possible by the generous support of numerous sponsors: Allegra Marketing, Print, and Mail, School of Rock Franklin, Franklin Cultural Council, Next9Up, b. LUXE, Eagle Stainless Tube and Fabrication, Fenton Financial Group, Franklin Matters, Mount Street Farm, QRGA Certified Public Accountants, Advanced European Auto Repair, All Around Gymnastics Academy, The Baur Family, The Danz & Coates Family, Elizabeth's Bagels & More, Knights of Columbus #1847, and Grove Street Auto Repair. 

The Pantry offers assistance to individuals and households in Franklin, Massachusetts. If you or someone you know is experiencing food insecurity, we may be able to help. 

For more information visit our website at www.franklinfoodpantry.org, or call 508-528-3115.

Additional photos of the event (from Franklin Food Pantry) ->

https://photos.app.goo.gl/TupTY9kQPWL6xmy98

About the Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.

The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance, household necessities, and resource referrals to more than 1,800 individuals per year. The Pantry relies on donations and grants to purchase items and pay for daily operations, and partnerships with The Greater Boston Food Bank, Spoonfuls, and local grocery stores to achieve greater buying power and lower costs.  

Programs include Inside Shopping, Curbside Pickup, Emergency Food Boxes, Mobile Pantries, Home Delivery, Kids’ Snack Bags, Weekend Backpacks, Holiday Meals, and the SNAP match at Franklin Farmers Market. The Pantry is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in good standing in Massachusetts, recognized by Charity Navigator as a Four-Star Charity, and awarded GuideStar’s Platinum Transparency ranking. The Pantry is located at 341 W Central St. in Franklin, MA on Route 140. Please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.