Fighting Food Insecurity: George Mason’s Impactful Empty Bowls Initiative
An Empty Bowl with a Powerful Message
If you’ve ever savored the last bites of a delicious meal, you know the joy that leftovers can bring. But at George Mason University’s annual Empty Bowls event, attendees leave with something quite different: a beautifully handcrafted, yet completely empty, ceramic bowl. This poignant gesture is more than just a memento; it signifies the ongoing battle against food insecurity in our communities.
What is the Empty Bowls Movement?
Empty Bowls is a global grassroots initiative aimed at raising awareness and funds for food-related charities. With each event, participants exchange a small donation for a unique ceramic bowl and a modest meal, typically soup. The takeaway? An empty bowl that serves as a constant reminder of the countless individuals facing hunger in our neighborhoods.
The Inception of Empty Bowls at Mason
The journey for Empty Bowls at George Mason began in what you might expect—a pottery studio. Maggie Daniels, a professor of tourism and events management in the College of Education and Human Development, along with Lauren Long, the executive director of Student Involvement, aligned their passions for pottery and philanthropy to launch this transformative event. Their goal? To bolster the Food and Housing Insecurity Fund within the Student Support and Advocacy Center (SSAC).
Addressing the Challenge of Food Insecurity Among Students
Food insecurity is a serious issue that affects nearly one-third of college students each year, as noted by Margaret Olszewska, director of the SSAC. She explains, “Food insecurity encompasses a range of situations where individuals lack consistent access to safe and nutritious food, from inadequate meals to missing food altogether.”
The Food and Housing Insecurity Fund tackles varying levels of food insecurity through initiatives like meal swipes and partnerships with local food banks, ensuring students have access to nourishment and support when they need it most.
A Community-Centric Approach
Mason’s Empty Bowls event is designed to be cost-free, ensuring that all proceeds from ticket sales and silent auctions are funneled directly to the fund. This collaboration, hosted in the Center for the Arts, delights guests with a warm soup meal, dessert, live music from Green and Gold Soul, and unique auction items. This ethos of community support transforms every ticket purchase into a step toward reducing hunger on campus.
Julie Thompson, executive director for the Center for the Arts, emphasizes the synergy: "The Center for the Arts and Student Involvement are outstanding partners throughout the year—this is one of our favorite collaborations."
A Culinary Experience of Comfort and Inclusivity
Sodexo, the event’s catering partner, curated a menu that radiates warmth and inclusivity using locally sourced ingredients. As Jenita Thurston, district manager for Sodexo, affirms, “Empty Bowls perfectly aligns with our mission to combat food insecurity and champion sustainable food practices.”
The Joy of Handmade Bowls
Perhaps the most heartwarming element of the event is the bowl selection. Every guest walks away with a handmade bowl, crafted by local artisans from Manassas Clay and other studios, conveying the personal touch and community spirit of the initiative. These bowls come in a delightful array of sizes and glazes—suitable for microwave, dishwasher, and oven use—making them both practical and beautiful.
A Testament to Community Spirit
“What’s incredibly special about Empty Bowls is how it embodies the genuine care and commitment of the George Mason community,” shares Olszewska. This event showcases how faculty and staff go beyond their professional roles to actively support students facing challenges.
As Long eloquently puts it, “For CEHD faculty and a University Life director to unite in creativity and innovation for our students is a beautiful reflection of what makes George Mason exceptional.”
Join the Movement
Ready to be a part of this impactful initiative? Get tickets to the 2025 George Mason Empty Bowls event and help combat food insecurity, one bowl at a time.
In a world where simple acts can lead to significant changes, George Mason University’s Empty Bowls stands as a beacon of hope and community resilience, inviting us all to lend a hand and fill an empty bowl with compassion.
