Empty Bowls Naples Awards $25K Grant to Combat Hunger, Supports 1.66M Meals in Collier County

Empty Bowls Naples, Inc. awarded $25,000 to Our Daily Bread Food Pantry as part of a larger $225,000 campaign to cut down hunger across Collier County.

"Empty Bowls Naples is honored to support the critical work of local food pantries like Our Daily Bread. Through the funds raised at our annual event, we are able to provide grants that make a lasting impact in the fight against hunger in Southwest Florida," said Betsy Dawson, Empty Bowls Naples President, according to Coastal Breeze News.

This support keeps food flowing to local families in crisis. In 2024, the pantry moved nearly 2 million pounds of supplies to tables across the region. That turned into more than 1.66 million meals for those who would have gone without.

"Last year, Our Daily Bread Food Pantry provided an estimated 1,662,267 meals through the distribution of 1,994,720 pounds of nutritious food proportioned to meet USDA dietary guidelines to help food-insecure children and families in Collier County," said Evelyn Rossetti-Ryan, Ed. D., Executive Director.

In 2024, every dollar given turned into 90 cents worth of food for the hungry. This success came from strong teamwork between partners and dedicated volunteers who stepped up to serve.

Empty Bowls Naples will celebrate their 20th year on Jan. 17, 2026. The community will gather at Cambier Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to mark two decades of service.