The Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana serves the seven parishes in the top corner of the state: Caddo, Bossier, Webster, Claiborne, Red River, Bienville, and DeSoto. It is our mission to end hunger in the region by ensuring a consolidated network of effective food collection and distribution which will provide universal access for the needy in our communities. The Food Bank hosts an Empty Bowls Hunger Awareness event every September to raise funds and awareness. During the evening, attendees enjoy an online auction, a raffle, a wine pull, and a simple soup supper. Guests leave with an empty hand-painted ceramic bowl that serves as a visual reminder of those who are hungry and whose bowls go unfilled. Three hundred bidders are in attendance, and an unknown number of bidders bid online. All funds raised stay local and benefit our food purchasing or our food programs.