Davis Middle School and Lorraine Elementary's Empty Bowls events raised more than $2,000 for Rockdale Emergency Relief, which operates a food pantry, rent assistance, and other programs.

Parents and community members were invited for a simple meal of soup, salad, bread and desert for $5. In return, they took home a decorated ceramic bowl created by students, as a reminder of the empty bowls that many families face.

More than 500 Davis Middle School students created bowls for the event, which was held Feb. 16 and raised about $900. Publix also donated money to purchase food items for the event and Heritage Hills Baptist Church volunteered to make desserts and help serve items. 

Lorraine Elementary held their event March 2 and raised about $1,300.