ROCHESTER, Minn. – People are encouraged to come to the Mayo Civic Center on Thursday to eat soup and take home a decorated bowl, all to help families in need in the community.

Channel One Regional Food Bank is hosting its 14th annual Empty Bowls event. It raises money for families struggling with hunger. Over the past 14 years, the fundraiser has helped serve two million meals.

Channel One helps about 13,000 people at its food bank each month in Olmsted County. It sees about 100,000 a month in the 14 counties it serves.

“So, while you don't necessarily see 100,000 people in the streets with a sign asking for food, we know those people are out there and they need our help,” Virginia Merritt, Executive Director of Regional One, said.

Merritt also told KIMT over 70% of clients at the food bank report having a job.

“People who are hungry aren't just homeless people or people without jobs. These are people who are working hard every day and are still not being able to make ends meet,” she said.

Soups for the event are all donated from local restaurants including Chester’s, Bleu Duck Kitchen, Tonic, Victoria’s, and Grand Rounds Brewing Co.

The event is happening from 11am-8pm. Tickets are $15 at the door for individuals and $35 for families.

If people cannot make it, new this year, people can still donate by texting “FEEDPEOPLE” to 243725.