Empty Bowls Frequently Asked Questions
When does pre-sale end? Why should I purchase in advance?
Pre-sale ends the night before the event, October 7 at 9pm. After this time all purchases must be made at the door on a first-come-first-serve basis.
This year while we have over 1,500 bowls to sell, demand is high. Pre-sale purchasers will be able to enter the event earlier to skip the line and browse the bowls first. AND get an extra soup ticket!
Can I purchase a bowl day-of the event?
Yes! To ensure you get a bowl we recommend purchasing a bowl in advance of the event. However, bowls are available at the door while supplies last. If you did not purchase a bowl in advance of the event look for the “purchase items here” line at the registration table.
Can I attend the event without purchasing anything?
Yes! The event is free and open to the public. Come and enjoy the music and learn about NourishMKE. All event proceeds support our food pantries.
Where do I park to attend Empty Bowls?
Street parking is free on Sundays. There are also several parking ramps nearby that you can park in for a fee.
What are other ways to support NourishMKE
There are many ways to support our pantries year round. Consider volunteering or hosting a food drive with your family or friends. Donating is also a great way to give back — it only costs Friedens $5 to feed a person for 5 days!
Visit our page: www.NourishMKE.org/get-involved/
What if I purchased an item but can no longer attend the event?
Sorry you can’t make it! We suggest that you forward your receipt to a friend or family member who can pick up your bowl/s at the event.
- All sales are final.
- We cannot set aside bowls.
- Any pre-purchased, unclaimed bowls at the end of the event will forfeited and will be made available for sale at Outpost Natural Food Co-op after the event.
How can I participate in the auction?
Visit: www.32auction.com/NourishMKEEmptyBowls/
Auction opens Friday, October 6th giving you 3 days to bid on your favorite items. Auction closes Sunday October 8 at 3pm.
Where do I go when I arrive?
The lines for bowl purchase and pre-purchase are clearly marked at the entrance to the Kern Center.
Are there other food and drink options available?
This event is located near downtown within close proximity of bars and restaurants. Feel free to stick around the area after the event to grab a bite to eat!
I want to make bowls for the event next year! Who do I contact?
That’s great! Contact us at director@nourishmke.org and Colleen at colleen@creamcityclay.com
I am a chef or restaurant and I want to participate in Empt Bowls next year. Who do I contact?
Great! Contact us at director@nourishmke.org
I want to volunteer for the event. Where can I sign up?
We’d love your help! Contact us at volunteer@nourishmke.org and let us know you want to participate in Empty Bowls.
I have a food allergy, what should I do at the event?
If you have a food allergy, please let the food vendor know before sampling their soup. Also, soups will be marked with a sign indicating possible, common allergies.
Do I have to be at the event the entire time?
Nope! The event runs from 12pm-3pm. You can feel free to stop in at any time and stay for as long as you would like.
What if it rains the day of the event?
This event is rain or shine! Our event is indoors.
Are their restrooms at the event?
Yes, this event has access to restrooms.
Is this space wheelchair accessible?
Yes.
Can my bowl be shipped to my house?
Sorry – bowls can only be picked up at the event! We are not able to ship bowls to you.
Will we eat out of our purchased bowls at the event?
Not this year! For sanitary reasons you’ll be provided a compostable bowl to eat out of at the event.
Can my bowl be microwaved?
Most bowls can be microwaved. Some cannot. You can test it by trying to microwave something and if the pot gets hot and the food stays cold it’s not a microwavable bowl.
Is my bowl food-safe?
All bowls distributed at Empty Bowls are food-safe. We remove any that are not or have sharp edges.
I purchased in advance. Do I have to arrive between 11:30 and 12:00?
Not at all! Arrive whenever you’d like before 3:00pm. If you’d like to take advantage of VIP admission you will want to arrive early, but you can attend at any time. You’ll still receive your extra soup ticket.