Students looking for something to eat and a way to give food to the hungry have an opportunity to do so today.

Members of NIU’s Student Dietetic Association will hold their third annual “Empty Bowls” project, scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and again from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Chandelier Room of Adams Hall.

The lunchtime session requires a reservation, and is already full, said Joan Quinn, coordinator of NIU’s quantity food labs. The dinner session, however, is on a first-come, first-serve

basis.

A minimum donation of $10 buys all-you-can-eat soup, bread and beverages while supplies last. Also included in the package is a ceramic bowl made by NIU art students, which will be used for the soup.

“Keeping them is supposed to remind you that there are hungry people around the nation on a daily basis,” Quinn said. “There’s always empty bowls in our community.”

All the proceeds from this year’s event will go directly to the Hope Haven shelter, 1145 Rushmoore Dr.

“This is a very popular fundraiser,” said Lesly Wicks, executive director for Hope Haven. “It has a lot of community support, it’s really helpful.”

The money will be used for food, shelter and supportive services for men, women and children, she added.

Soups on the menu include chicken noodle, cream of broccoli and peanut butter, a vegetarian African recipe. Also included are the popular Chandelier Room yeast rolls, blueberry muffins and tomato-herb bread. Coffee, tea and lemonade are the beverages being offered.

The idea for “Empty Bowls” started in Michigan and has been adopted by organizations all over the country.

Quinn was among those responsible for bringing the event to NIU.

“As a dietitian, I have a strong interest in alleviating,” she said. “This is a good way of going about it.”

Members of the Student Dietetic Association, who do the cooking, and students from the School of Art organized the event and hope to raise more than $3,000 for the shelter.

“Last year we raised over $2,000 and the year before $1,000, it’s increasing by intervals,” Quinn said.

The Crop Walk, held in the fall, is another major event the Student Dietary Association participates in to help eliminate hunger.

For more information, call the SDA at 753-1895.