Rochester families and friends are invited to support the Channel One Regional Food Bank by pre‑ordering a bowl of soup through the annual Empty Bowls fundraiser. The program, now in its 2026 edition, offers eight distinct soups prepared by local restaurants, each sold for $25 per 16‑ounce serving.
Menu Highlights
The 2026 menu features a variety of flavors to suit different tastes and dietary needs:
- Bleu Duck – Lobster Bisque
- Canadian Honker – Vegetable Beef (dairy‑free)
- Chester’s – Tomato Basil (vegetarian, gluten‑free)
- Five West – Smoked Gouda Chicken Wild Rice (gluten‑free)
- The Hubble House – Brisket Chili (gluten‑free, dairy‑free)
- Pinnacle Catering – Mushroom Kale (vegan, gluten‑free)
- Thai Pop – Tom Kha Chicken (gluten‑free, dairy‑free)
- Victoria’s – Chicken Enchilada (gluten‑free)
One reviewer praised Five West’s Smoked Gouda Chicken Wild Rice soup as a standout choice, recommending it highly.
How to Order
Pre‑orders are accepted exclusively through the Channel One website. Each soup costs $25 and includes a hand‑painted bowl crafted by a volunteer; participants may opt out of the bowl if they prefer.
Because the portion size is 16 oz., many donors suggest ordering two or three different soups to ensure a satisfying meal. After selecting a soup (or soups), donors choose a pickup date and time. Pickup locations will be open on Tuesday, October 13, and Wednesday, October 14, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Deadline and Logistics
All pre‑orders must be submitted by 6 p.m. on Wednesday, October 7. Once the ordering window closes, the selected restaurants will prepare the soups for the designated pickup days.
Empty Bowls is a proven community‑driven effort that channels the love of good food into tangible assistance for families facing food insecurity. By purchasing a soup, Rochester residents directly contribute to the Channel One Regional Food Bank’s mission to provide nutritious meals to those in need throughout the region.
Why It Matters
Food insecurity remains a pressing concern in Olmsted County, and local initiatives like Empty Bowls play a vital role in bridging the gap. The fundraiser not only raises essential funds but also strengthens ties between local businesses, volunteers, and the broader community.
Supporters are encouraged to share the pre‑order link with neighbors, churches, and school groups, amplifying the impact of each bowl purchased. Together, Rochester can continue to demonstrate the generosity and compassion that define our city.
Original reporting: News Talk 1340 KROC-AM – News and Talk – Rochester News Radio — read the source article.
