Empty Bowls, Full Souls 2026

Presented by Clearwater Credit Union

On September 2, 2026, our community came together at the Missoula Public Library for Empty Bowls, Full Souls, Missoula Food Bank & Community Center's annual advocacy event focused on raising awareness, inspiring conversation, and supporting our neighbors experiencing food insecurity.

This year's program explored food insecurity beyond Missoula's city limits, highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities facing rural communities throughout our region. Through stories, lived experiences, and local expertise, guests gained a deeper understanding of how communities across western Montana are working together to ensure everyone has access to healthy, nutritious food.

Guests enjoyed a delicious soup dinner generously provided by SoupFarm, fresh rolls donated by Grist Milling & Bakery, refreshments from both Big Sky Brewing and Florabella, and lively music from Canguelo, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for sharing a meal and connecting with one another. The evening also featured an auction and the opportunity for attendees to choose a handcrafted ceramic bowl to take home, created by talented local artists from The Clay Studio of Missoula and the Helena Clay Arts Guild. We also had an opportunity for guests to purchase our flower arrangements, generously donated by Agile Goat Farm and grown right here in Missoula!

We are deeply grateful to our featured speakers who generously shared their time, insights, and experiences:
           Jessy Lee, Development Director - Missoula Food Bank & Community Center
           Dan Kwaituk - Clinton Community Member
           Sophie Albert, Executive Director - North Valley Food Bank
           Bre Ward - Sčilíp Community Member
           Caitlyn Taix, Operations Director - Missoula Food Bank & Community Center

A heartfelt thank you goes to Clearwater Credit Union, our presenting sponsor, and to all of the sponsors, donors, artists, musicians, and community partners who helped make this event possible.

Most importantly, thank you to our volunteers. From setting up tables and greeting guests to serving meals, assisting with the auction, and helping everything run smoothly behind the scenes, your generosity, energy, and commitment made the evening a success. Events like Empty Bowls, Full Souls simply would not be possible without you. And thank you to everyone who attended. Whether you purchased a ticket, bid in the auction, selected a bowl, made a donation, or simply joined the conversation, you helped strengthen our community and support the work of Missoula Food Bank & Community Center.

Thank you for filling hearts, sparking conversations, and helping build a stronger, more food-secure community. We can't wait to see you next year!