Mayor Robert Blythe read a proclamation declaring March 2026 as Richmond Hunger Awareness Month and urged citizens to support local anti-hunger efforts.
In the proclamation the mayor cited national food-security figures from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and specifically recognized local partners: God’s Outreach Community Food Bank, Richmond Food Bank at New Liberty Family Shelter, Home Meals Delivery, and the Salvation Army of Madison County for their work addressing local hunger.
An organizer for the Madison County Empty Bowls Project described the group’s event scheduled for Friday, March 20, at First Baptist Church (425 Eastern Bypass) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with dine-in and takeout options. The organizer said the event requires a $20 minimum donation for a bowl plus soup and dessert and noted that "100% of the proceeds will be divided between God's Outreach, Madison County Food Bank, New Liberty Shelter, and Food Bank of Richmond Home Meals Delivery and Salvation Army of Madison County." The event will feature locally donated bowls, entertainment and volunteers; the organizer emphasized that no funds are spent on overhead.
Why it matters: The proclamation formally recognizes local anti-hunger efforts and the Empty Bowls fundraiser consolidates support for several service providers that serve food-insecure residents in Madison County.
Next steps: The commission did not need to vote to issue the proclamation; community members were invited to attend the Empty Bowls event and follow the organization's social channels for updates.