Texas Border Business
PHARR, Texas – The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley proudly announces H-E-B Hunger Relief as the Title and Presenting Sponsor of Empty Bowls Lower Valley 2025. Now in its fourth year, this annual fundraiser will be held on Thursday, June 26, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Brownsville Events Center. This year’s theme, Noche Caliente, invites the community to a festive evening of local food, music, and giving back.
Thanks to H-E-B Hunger Relief’s generous $20,000 sponsorship, the event will help provide an additional 100,000 meals to individuals and families facing food insecurity across the Rio Grande Valley. Their continued partnership is instrumental in advancing the Food Bank RGV’s mission to fight hunger and feed hope in South Texas.
“We’re incredibly thankful to H-E-B Hunger Relief for their unwavering support,” said Libby A. Saenz, CEO of Food Bank RGV. “Their generosity will directly impact thousands of families in our community and helps ensure more people have access to the nutritious food they need to thrive.”
Empty Bowls Lower Valley is one of the Food Bank RGV’s signature fundraising events, bringing together restaurants, sponsors, and supporters for a meaningful night of community connection. Guests will enjoy tastings from more than a dozen local restaurants, live music, raffles, a silent auction, and more.
New this year is a Best Salsa Contest, where participating restaurants will compete for the coveted title of salsa champion. Every guest will also receive a hand-painted ceramic bowl—a symbolic reminder of the empty bowls across our region and the collective promise to fill them.
The Food Bank RGV is currently welcoming event sponsors and recruiting restaurant participants. Sponsors will receive public recognition and community exposure while helping to fund critical hunger relief programs. Participating restaurants have the opportunity to showcase their cuisine to a wide and engaged audience.
Tickets are now available for $40 plus fees at https://EBLV25.eventbrite.com. Tickets will be $45 at the door on the day of the event.
For more information on sponsorship opportunities or how to participate as a restaurant partner, contact Philip Farias at 956-904-4513 or email pfarias@foodbankrgv.com.
