The 3rd Avenue Marketplace turns empty bowls into full bellies for local kids each year through its annual fundraiser for the Weekend Backpack Program.  

Handcrafted bowls by local artists are the focal point of the event as the nonprofit raises money to fuel kids with food on the days they aren’t in school. 

Empty Bowls takes place from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 16, at Templin's Hotel on the River at 414 E. First Ave., Post Falls.  

Marketplace Executive Director Molli Nixon said there will be more than 370 bowls available for attendees to choose from and 20 different soups to try during the course of the fundraiser. 

“It means so much to me to be able to help kiddos who really need it,” Nixon said. “It’s actually gone up so much that we’re at helping over 250 elementary students.” 

The program also stocks food pantries in the guidance offices of the middle and high schools in Post Falls as well as meals for Kootenai Classical Academy students. 

“Kids can go in there with their backpack and load up with what they need and nobody knows about it,” Nixon said. “This program is always under-funded and it’s something that we’re constantly focusing on and the purpose is just so important.” 

Because Post Falls School District now has no school on Fridays, the 3rd Avenue Marketplace is asking for support to fund that extra day’s worth of meals.

Meals include a rotation of breakfast foods like oatmeal or cereal, granola bars, fruit cups and entrees like pop-top cans of ravioli. 

“We’re looking to raise a lot more than we have in the past for the program because we need to increase the amount of food we’re giving out,” Nixon said. “It’s one of the only programs that we purchase the food for, because we want to make sure that they’re getting the best food dates and name-brand things their friends are going to have so they don’t feel any different.” 

The meals play into food that balances kid-focused options that also have nutritional value. 

“They don’t understand the nutrition side, but we make sure it’s a well-rounded meal and that it’s something they’re going to want to eat,” Nixon said. 

Support from Templin’s on the River, Hands to Art and Post Falls Community Volunteers also powered this year’s Empty Bowls.

Admission is $25 if purchased online, $30 at the door.

Info: 3rdavenuemarketplace.org, 208-773-0139 or [email protected].

    Empty Bowls takes place from 4 to 6:30 p.m. April 16 at Templin's Hotel on the River at 414 E 1st Ave., Post Falls and benefits the 3rd Avenue Marketplace.