Campus News

Juniata College Celebrates 20 Years of Empty Bowls to Support Huntingdon County

(Posted September 28, 2026)

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HUNTINGDON, Pa. – Juniata College’s Empty Bowls fundraiser marks 20 years of fighting food insecurity in Huntingdon County this fall, celebrating the milestone with new ways for the community to get involved. 

The anniversary celebration will include an exhibition at the Juniata College Museum of Art; an online sale of handmade bowls beginning at 1 p.m. Sunday, October 4; and an in-person soup dinner from 5-7 p.m. Friday, October 9, at the Stone Church of the Brethren, Huntingdon. Since its founding at Juniata, Empty Bowls has raised more than $98,000 for local food banks, food pantries and the Huntingdon County Area Elementary School Backpack Program. All funds raised benefit organizations addressing food insecurity in Huntingdon County. 

The 20th anniversary celebration includes “20 Years of Empty Bowls,” a new exhibition at the Juniata College Museum of Art (JCMA), which opened Sept. 24. The exhibition features handmade bowls created by Juniata students and explores food insecurity in Huntingdon County through informational and interactive elements. Visitors can learn about community needs and resources while exploring strategies for acquiring and preparing healthy food on a budget. 

The exhibition is also the site of the in-person sale of bowls on Friday, Oct. 9 from 5 – 7 p.m., with soup and refreshments served just a short walk away at the Stone Church of the Brethren. An additional selection of 200 bowls is available through the online store beginning at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, and continuing until sold out. The online store typically sells out within 24 to 48 hours. A preview of the online collection will be available from 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3. A total of 125 tickets will be available. 

The bowls featured in Empty Bowls are created by Juniata students, faculty and friends of the College. The event is organized by Bethany Benson Burns, chair of the Department of Art; Robert Boryk, instructor of art; Lisa Baer, Catholic campus minister and coordinator of campus ministry; Lorri Panaia, director of conferences and events; and Jennifer Troha. 

For more information about Empty Bowls, the exhibition or ways to participate, visit the Empty Bowls online store at https://emptybowlsjuniata.square.site/. 

Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.