The popular Bastrop Empty Bowl provides attendees an opportunity to sample soups, stews, and chilies prepared by some of Bastrop’s best chefs in a “battle of the ladles” for bragging rights. Celebrity judges will tag “bests” in each category, and attendees will vote for their fan favorite. Each ticketed attendee will also take home a ceramic soup bowl, hand-decorated and designed by Bastrop ISD students and members of the community.

The event also educates the public about poverty and funds local efforts to identify and meet head-on the causes of poverty and to alleviate the food uncertainty of those living in poverty or on the precarious edge of poverty in their communities.