Master Baker Paula Gray of King Arthur Flour teaches students at Mary of Nazareth School how to bake bread. Photo courtesy of Interfaith Works
Interfaith Works, a nonprofit organization with a mission to address homelessness and poverty in Montgomery County, will host an “Empty Bowls” fundraiser at the Julia Bindeman Center in Potomac on Thursday, Oct. 22.
Attendees will sample soups in hand-crafted bowls, which they will take home at the end of the event. Crafted in part by students at the center’s Hebrew School, the bowls serve as a reminder of how hunger and homelessness affect thousands of people in the county on a daily basis.
In preparation for the event, Charlotte Garvey of Interfaith Works spoke to a group of students at Mary of Nazareth School in Darnestown about homelessness in Montgomery County and what students can do to help.
As part of the presentation, the students received a bread-baking lesson from Master Baker Paula Gray of King Arthur Flour. She taught around 100 students about the science of baking, and encouraged them to bake rolls at home to donate to the Empty Bowls event.
“For many years, we have been lucky enough to receive the bread the kids make,” said Garvey. “Frequently, we serve it at our shelters, and sometimes we use it in support of special events.”
Teachers and administrators say the presentation was an opportunity for students to learn lessons in science, math and social justice.
“I wanted them to learn new ways they can make a difference in the lives of others, especially for children in the area,” said Jennifer Massey of Mary of Nazareth School. “I hope they use this opportunity as a springboard to doing more to help others. They can change the world by helping one person.”
Under King Arthur Flour’s “Bake for Good” program, master bakers visit schools and give students baking lessons, encouraging them to bake bread at home to donate to a charity.
“I was inspired to be a volunteer at the Empty Bowls event and help distribute the bread we make,” said Fiona O’Connell, a sixth grade student.
“I learned that baking is not as easy as it seems,” said Sebastian Aliaga, also in the sixth grade. “I also learned that homelessness is a serious problem.”