AMHERST — The Amherst Survival Center’s largest fundraising event of the year is being held Saturday, at a time when demand for its food pantry is much higher on a monthly basis than during the COVID pandemic and as federal support is being slashed for food banks and food programs.

The 17th annual Empty Bowls is set for noon to 4 p.m. at the 138 Sunderland Road site, with guests able to acquire a bowl made by either a professional or amateur potter, filled with a choice of more than 16 soups provided by area restaurants.

“Folks who come Saturday will enjoy a delicious shared meal and conversation with others while supporting food access for their neighbors in the community,” Executive Director Lev BenEzra said.

Empty Bowls alone won’t make up for losing a $430,000 Local Food Purchase Assistance grant recently that was funded by the USDA and administered by the state amid massive federal spending cutbacks. The money had been used to buy milk, eggs, cheese and other produce from area farms, its loss making “it hard to get food and variety and quality,” BenEzra said. But the hope is to continue to bring in the money needed to support the site, which in 2024 provided more than 1.6 million meals to more than 11,500 families and individuals.

“We stretch every dollar as far as we can, and rely on volunteers,” BenEzra said.

The demand for food aid is showing no sign of ending, BenEzra said, as people worry about losing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, having housing subsidies reduced, and possible cuts to Medicaid, and she encourages anyone impacted by a job loss or change in circumstance to seek out assistance.

The hot soups are provided by restaurants including Hope & Olive in Greenfield, which is making Thai tomato soup with fish sauce; Smithsonian Chowder House in Hatfield, providing seafood chowder; Pulse Cafe in Hadley, with its Ethiopian red lentils; and Three Amigos in North Amherst, offering pazole.

Several local celebrities will be serving as waitstaff, including state Rep. Mindy Domb, District Attorney David Sullivan, Town Council President Lynn Griesemer and University of Massachusetts Chancellor Javier Reyes, accompanied by his wife, Maritza Reyes. Live music will be provided by Amherst College jazz students.

One of the potters whose works will be available is Tiffany Hilton of Florence, who has been supporting Empty Bowls for the entirety of the event. “Helping to feed my neighbors is something I am proud to be a part of, especially in these uncertain times,” Hilton said.

A member of Mudpie Potters at Leverett Crafts & Arts, John Varner of Amherst explained his participation. “It’s especially meaningful when those people who appreciate and use our work are also sharing their resources and compassion with the community through Empty Bowls,” Varner said.

Kelley Jewell, the development manager at the Amherst Survival Center, calls the event a “a tradition of community care.” “The way our community rallies around Empty Bowls shows that ensuring everyone has access to food isn’t just important, it’s a priority we hold together,” Jewell said.

Greenfield Savings Bank is the presenting sponsor and will be matching donations made on top of online ticket sales up to $5,000. “This meaningful event unites our community to raise awareness about food insecurity and generate vital funds to combat this pressing issue,” Greenfield Savings Bank CEO and President Thomas Meshako said in a statement. Other sponsors include PeoplesBank, Florence Bank and Cooley Dickinson Hospital.

Regular tickets are $50, which includes a handcrafted bowl and meal, but less expensive options include the soup only, $30 for adults, $10 for children ages 3 to 17 and free for those 2 and under. Raffle tickets for various prizes are three for $25 online, or one for $10 on the day of the event. Tickets are also available at the door.

All information about the potters, the restaurants and raffle prizes is available at amherstsurvival.org/emptybowls.

Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.