A Bastrop fundraiser with a fun souvenir to take home is cooking up its 20th annual event. The Bastrop Empty Bowl gathers local chefs to compete for the best dish — to be served in hand-painted bowls — in a fundraiser fighting food insecurity.

Ticket revenue will benefit the Bastrop County Emergency Food Pantry, which in 2024 served 5,463 people and gave out more than 400,000 pounds of food. In a press release, the food pantry shares that one in seven Bastrop residents experiences food insecurity, which means that their access to food is limited, uncertain, or they don't know where their next meal will come from. It says this is the second year in a row that the pantry has "served a record-high number of requests for help."

The fundraiser is a tasting event on January 25, from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm, where guests will get to choose a bowl that's been decorated by a community member. The colorful, glazed creations help avoid the waste of many tasting events, and then guests can take them home.

Since the bowl is the goal for these chefs, they're bringing scoopable foods: soups, stews, and chilies. To determine the best dish, there will be a judges panel as well as voting for a favorite among attendees. Some of the participating establishments include the 602 Brewing Company, Chili's, Southside Market & BBQ, and Jalisco Restaurant.

Finally, a silent auction will provide more goodies to take home, including other works by local artists, baskets from local businesses, and some higher ticket value items that haven't been revealed yet. There are also still opportunities to sponsor the event or donate auction items.

Tickets are $25 for adults and children over 12 years old. Younger children can enter for free, but don't receive a painted bowl. This event will be held at the Bastrop Convention Center (1408 Chestnut St., Bastrop).