Columbia Pacific Food Bank

09/11/2026

Cook #3: The man, the myth, the legend... Mark's On The Channel's very own...
Mark Altstetter
I grew up in the Mid-West and was a very happy kid who pursued many hobbies and activities and showed entrepreneurial talents early on.
As a one-time failed engineer under-graduate, I finally received my restaurant management degree which was the beginning of a near five-decades long food service career as a professional chef and restaurant owner.
Nowadays, I enjoy a busy retirement doing DIY projects, spending time with my grand daughter, boating, hiking and cooking for friends and family.
I proudly volunteer at the Columbia Pacific Food Bank on a weekly basis and otherwise return home frequently to visit my mom and dad who are both in their mid-nineties and are much the source of my inspiration. Love You Mom and Dad!!
I always say, ‘ If you’re not having fun then you’re not trying hard enough’ or something like that, lol. There is much to life and it is much too short not to have fun…always.
Thanks for supporting local businesses and your local food bank. May the bowl before you always be full. 💚

09/10/2026

Cook #2: Introducing Chef Sean~
Sean Wilcox
I discovered my passion for cooking at a young age. While both of my parents are excellent cooks, it was my father who truly inspired me to find my own identity in the kitchen. Watching him cook and learning from his techniques sparked a lifelong love of food and the culinary arts.
By high school, I was already experimenting with recipes and developing dishes of my own. Some of my earliest successes were homemade dishes prepared completely from scratch. Those experiences taught me that cooking is much more than simply preparing food. It is a way to bring people together, create memories, and express creativity. Family dinners and sharing meals with friends and loved ones quickly became some of my favorite traditions and remain so to this day.
After high school, I attended culinary school to refine my skills and pursue a brighter future through my passion for cooking. My goal was simple: to create delicious, high-quality meals and serve them with excellence. That education, combined with years of hands-on experience, allowed me to prepare thousands of meals within my community and eventually led me to become an Executive Chef at Nike. In that role, I helped develop extensive menus that were enjoyed across numerous Nike cafés, restaurants, and catering events.
My growth as a chef would not have been possible without the guidance and mentorship of Chef Don Savio and Chef Albert Casswell. Their influence helped shape not only my career but also my philosophy of cooking and leadership.
One of the greatest joys in my life comes from cooking for family and friends and seeing the smiles on their faces as they enjoy thoughtfully prepared meals. Today, I continue to share that passion through my Facebook community, Sean's Food Lab, where I post recipes, food reviews, cooking tips, and culinary creations. My goal is to inspire others to get into the kitchen, explore new flavors, and build meaningful connections through food.
For me, cooking has always been about more than the food itself. It is about bringing people together, creating lasting memories, and sharing a little bit of joy with every meal.

09/09/2026

Let's showcase our soup cooks!! Starting with Mr. Clause, himself 💚
Merle Pence
My mother taught me to cook as soon as I could stand on a chair at the stove. I am the eldest of three boys and mom taught all three of us how to cook, sew and keep house. My father had been taught by his mother to cook and when all of us boys left the house, dad cooked the meals for mom. Dining with family and friends was always joyful with stories and laughter where any subject was fair game. One of the reasons Joanne married me was because we ate as a family at the dining table. We talked about any subject, everyone, even guests, participated in setting the table, clearing it and doing the dishes and all was done willingly. For me, cooking and eating is love.
Until Joanne was ill, we participated in this event, at one time I think they called it "SOUPer Bowl", and I still use our soup bowls from many of the events. Food insecurity is and has been a concern of mine since I saw the effects when I was in the Navy. I hope you enjoy my chili. 🍲

Get the chance to try Merle's chili by purchasing your ticket here:
www.ticketsignup.io/TicketEvent/EmptyBowls2026

09/08/2026

EEK!! Pat Brame just delivered our bowls!! 🥣

Friends... as always... THEY ARE BEAUTIFUL!! There are so many different styles, colors, finishes... Whether you're continuing to build your collection or just starting, the choices are simply amazing. 😍

Don't miss out! Get your Empty Bowls tickets TODAY!
🎟️www.ticketsignup.io/TicketEvent/EmptyBowls2026

09/08/2026

On Tuesday, Sept. 8, we'll be serving chicken teriyaki with rice, a vegetable & salad. Location: First Lutheran Church, 360 Wyeth St., in St. Helens. Doors open at 5 & the meal is served at 5:30. No questions; no paperwork, just a shared community meal. See you there!

09/05/2026

09/04/2026

📢ATTENTION!!! Empty Bowls is only 3 WEEKS AWAY!!
I'd really hate for you to miss it, so you better get your tickets NOW!
In case you forgot what this event is about:
🥣The Empty Bowls Movement🥣
Empty Bowls started in 1990 when an art teacher in Michigan and his students decided to make a difference. They crafted ceramic bowls and hosted a simple meal—soup and bread—to raise funds for their local food bank. Guests left with a bowl in hand and a powerful reminder of what food insecurity means. Now, three decades later, Empty Bowls has grown into a worldwide initiative, with events across the globe raising millions for hunger relief. We're honored to bring this meaningful tradition to our community.

💚An Evening Celebrating Community, Compassion & Creativity💚
Come together for an unforgettable night of delicious food, music, and genuine connection. This family-friendly dinner brings neighbors together to enjoy a hearty meal while making a real impact on hunger in our area. Every ticket supports local hunger relief efforts.

What Awaits You:
Homemade soups and fresh-baked breads from beloved local residence, plus dessert from SHHS Culinary Arts students
DJ music throughout the evening
A beautiful handcrafted keepsake bowl—each one uniquely created by local artists Pat Brame, Anastatia Rigby, and SHHS ceramics students
A complimentary Community Cookbook, sponsored by InRoads Credit Union

🎟️Only 300 tickets available. Secure yours today and be part of something special.
www.ticketsignup.io/TicketEvent/EmptyBowls2026


Event Details:
📅 Date: September 25, 2026
🕔 Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Location: St. Helens Middle School
354 N 15th, St. Helens, OR 97051

09/03/2026

Remember that Target Circle thing I shared back in July?🎯
We have through September to collect votes and we're doin' pretty good so far with 28,499 votes tallied! KEEP IT UP!!
Every time you shop, you earn votes. So be sure to continue to check in your app for votes to use. SPREAD THE WORD! Tell your family and friends to jump in and vote, too!

09/02/2026

📢TODAY IS THE DAY!
Stop in during our evening pantry to pick up a backpack, with a few basic supplies, to get your kiddo ready for school! 🎒
**QUANITIY IS LIMITED... first come, first serve**

09/01/2026

Soup-er excited for Empty Bowls?! 🥣 Only 3.5 weeks to go, so don't miss getting your tickets - grab yours now: www.ticketsignup.io/TicketEvent/EmptyBowls2026