Thank You for Supporting Empty Bowls 2026
Thank you for joining us at The Clay Center of St. Petersburg’s Empty Bowls benefitting Daystar Life 
Because of you, a handcrafted bowl, a warm meal, and your presence came together to bring hope to neighbors experiencing food insecurity.
Every ticket, every bowl, and every conversation helped send a clear message: no one in St. Pete should face an empty table alone.
We’re so grateful to everyone who attended, supported, and made this event possible, including the talented artists and generous local food providers who helped bring it all to life.
- Avocado
- Gypsy Souls Coffee House
- Wendy Wesley Nutrition
- The Helm Seafood Parlor
- Creative Catering
- Chef Philip Boyle & The Daystar Team
- J News BBQ & Grill
- Fat Fred's Famous BBQ
- Lantmannen Unibake
Filling Our Community’s
Empty Bowls
Your $30 ticket impacts those in our community who need the most help.
Pinellas County faces significant challenges when it comes to food insecurity. According to recent statistics, approximately 13% of the county’s population experiences food insecurity. This translates to over 150,000 individuals who do not have consistent access to enough nutritious food.
Food insecurity has an especially profound impact on children’s health and development. Inadequate nutrition during critical periods of growth can lead to stunted physical and cognitive development, increased risk of chronic diseases, and poor academic performance. These long-term consequences can hinder children’s ability to reach their full potential and perpetuate cycles of poverty.
Food insecurity also affects families and household dynamics. Parents may experience heightened stress and anxiety as they struggle to provide for their children’s basic needs. This stress can strain relationships and impact overall family well-being. Additionally, parents may make sacrifices such as skipping meals or reducing portion sizes to ensure their children have enough to eat, further compromising their own health.
Root Causes of Food Insecurity in Pinellas County | Metrics |
Lack of Access to Healthy Food | 21.4% of the population lives in food deserts |
Low Income | 11.5% of the population lives below the poverty line |
High Cost of Living | Tampa Bay’s Cost of Living Index is higher than the national average |
Health Issues | 10.6% of the population faces food insecurity, causing many chronic health conditions |
Mission Daystar:
Ending Food Insecurity
We are Incredibly Grateful for Our 2026 Empty Bowls Sponsors
Thank You
Presenting Sponsor
The Clay Center of St. Petersburg
Champion Sponsor
Friend of Empty Bowls Sponsors
Mary Kehoe
Trudy James
Lisa Simpson
Jo Ann Redding
Alexis Guilbeau
Kevin & Jeanne Milkey
Mike Young
Mark Piacenti
The Sukumaran Family
Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, NY
Carl and Priscilla Tortorella
Jenney Mai
The Putman Family
Bonnie Reid
David & Diana Buzzard
Working Together
To Help Our Neighbors
Community engagement in events like Empty Bowls is crucial in addressing food insecurity effectively. Local residents have firsthand knowledge of the challenges they face and can provide valuable insights into potential solutions. Engaging community members in decision-making processes ensures that interventions are culturally appropriate, sustainable, and responsive to the unique needs of the community.
Successful community-led initiatives in Pinellas County, like Daystar Life, demonstrate the power of collective action. Community gardens, food cooperatives, and neighborhood meal programs are just a few examples of how residents are taking ownership of addressing food insecurity. These initiatives not only provide immediate relief but also foster a sense of empowerment and resilience within the community.
Kudos From Car Credit
Daystar Life Center was recently chosen as a Strategic Partner by Nuevo en US (www.nuevoenus.org), a nonprofit dedicated to helping immigrants and the charities that offer assistance. The partnership grant is fully funded by Car Credit (www.carcredittampa.com). Car Credit owner, Steve Cuculich, grew up in a low-income immigrant Chicago neighborhood. He has not forgotten his childhood poverty and continues to support organizations that offer a hand up to those in need. Cuculich acknowledges that while there have been successes in addressing food insecurity, challenges remain. “Our hope is to help develop sustainable solutions, encouraging continued collaboration between government agencies, non-profit organizations, and the community.”
