2026 5th Annual Yummy Bowl Benefit
Art Against Hunger at UCLA
2026 5th Annual Yummy Bowl Benefit
Hosted by the UCLA Department of Art, UCLA Ceramics Area, and UCLA Community Programs Office (CPO)
Date: Thursday, May 21
Location: UCLA Broad Art Center Plaza
Time: 11:00 am–1:30 pm
Food by Chef & Artist: Minh H Phan and PoCo
*Food is only available while supplies last
The Yummy Bowl Benefit is a campus-wide collaboration uniting students, faculty, and staff to combat food insecurity. By purchasing handmade ceramic bowls, you directly fund UCLA’s Community Programs Office (CPO) Food Closet. Now in its fifth year, this event celebrates the power of art as a tool for social change, fostering a community of generosity and creativity to ensure every Bruin has the resources to thrive.
Food insecurity remains a critical challenge at UCLA, where many students struggle to afford consistent, nutritious meals. Since 2009, the CPO Food Closet has served as a vital, anonymous resource for those in financial hardship. Beyond emergency food, your contribution supports holistic basic needs initiatives, including the On The Go Food Cart, Food Box Giveaways, and Grocery Bundle Programs that provide students with essential daily sustenance.
In November 2025, the program's Turkey Food Box event received 1,249 student applications. To continue to meet need, the CPO Food Closet has expanded to 19 satellite food carts across UCLA. By meeting students where they are, from the School of Medicine to the School of Theater Film and Television, the program is removing barriers to access and destigmatizing essential food assistance for every Bruin.
Each bowl is a one-of-a-kind piece created by student artists in the UCLA Department of Art’s Ceramics Lab. Under the guidance of faculty members Candice Lin and Anna Sew Hoy, students explore the communal nature of ceramics to engage in meaningful social justice.
When you purchase a bowl, you are not just buying art.
You are supporting a vibrant creative community dedicated to making a tangible impact on campus equity.
Important Event Details:
- Purchase: Secure your bowls through this crowdfunding site today!
- Pick-up: All bowls must be collected in person on May 21.
- Limit: Each participant may purchase up to three bowls.
- Selection: Bowls are first-come, first-served at the event; no advance reservations.
- Note: Unclaimed bowls will be donated to future Yummy Bowl events to continue supporting the CPO Food Closet.
- Food is only available while supplies last
For inquiries regarding larger gifts or supporting programs beyond this campaign, please contact:
Matthew Valenzuela
Assistant Director of Development, UCLA Student Affairs
Thank you to the UCLA Friends of Clay and our many volunteers for their support in the creation of the bowls.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE UCLA FOUNDATION'S DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS FOR DONORS
Should this fund reach the campus minimum required for the establishment of an endowment or quasi-endowment, The UCLA Foundation reserves the right to convert this fund to an endowment or quasi-endowment. Please click here to learn more about how the UCLA Foundation invests and manages its endowments.
$25
Select 1 Ceramic Bowl
Thank you for your donation! You may select one (1) handmade ceramic bowl at the 2026 Yummy Bowl Benefit on May 21st at the UCLA Broad Art Center Plaza. All bowls must be picked up in person. (Your donation includes a tax-deductible gift of $14)
$45
Select 2 Ceramic Bowls
Thank you for your donation! You may select two (2) handmade ceramic bowl at the 2026 Yummy Bowl Benefit on May 21st at the UCLA Broad Art Center Plaza. All bowls must be picked up in person. (Your donation includes a tax-deductible gift of $23)
$60
Select 3 Ceramic Bowls
Thank you for your donation! You may select three (3) handmade ceramic bowls at 2026 Yummy Bowl Benefit on May 21st at the UCLA Broad Art Center Plaza. All bowls must be picked up in person. (Your donation includes a tax-deductible gift of $27)
$1,000
Straight Gift to Food Closet
Your leadership gift provides nutritious meals to our students, ensuring food insecurity never hinders academic success. We are deeply grateful for your vision in sustaining this vital lifeline for Bruins. (fully tax-deductible)