Around the world and here at home, millions of people of all ages know the real meaning of hunger.

Some might doubt there is hunger here in Pike County.

But there are those, here at home, who go to bed hungry each night. Many are the elderly, sick and those alone,” said Donna Kidd, director of the Pike County Salvation Army Service Center.

“We don’t want to think there is hunger here at home, but it’s here,” Kidd said. Too often, the Salvation Army’s food pantry here in Troy, is very low especially with protein products and, too, donations are slow coming in.

“We have several fundraisers that help with food donations to the food pantry and for needs within the community,” Kidd said. “Our annual Empty Bowls Luncheon each spring goes a long way in helping meet those needs.”

The Pike County Salvation Army’s 2025 Empty Bowls Luncheon will be April 4 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of Bush Baptist Church in Troy.

“This year will be about 16^t years for Empty Bowls here in Pike County,” Kidd said. “The luncheon continues to be held as a reminder that bowls are empty, even here in Pike County.”

The Empty Bowls Luncheon provides an opportunity for the extended Pike County area to come together to bless the less fortunate and enjoy the fellowship that comes with the luncheon.

Tickets are $20 and the opportunity to select an “empty bowl” to take home as a reminder of hunger around the world.

Donations of soups, breads and desserts are much appreciated. Local restaurants donate a variety of soups along with those donated by local residents. All donations are greatly appreciated.”

The Pike County Salvation Army invites the extended Pike County community to come together in doing for others.