Paint Bowls for River City Food Bank’s 2026 Empty Bowls Fundraiser at Color Me Mine Natomas

This summer, Color Me Mine Natomas is proud to partner with River City Food Bank for the 23rd Annual Empty Bowls fundraiser, taking place on September 10, 2026 at the Sacramento Zoo.

Empty Bowls is River City Food Bank’s largest annual fundraiser and helps support their mission of providing healthy groceries and CalFresh assistance to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity throughout Sacramento County.

As food, housing, and healthcare costs continue to rise, more households than ever are relying on River City Food Bank as a trusted and consistent source of support. Every bowl painted through this community project becomes part of a larger effort to provide dignity, stability, and meaningful assistance to neighbors in need.

How the Community Bowl Painting Program Works

From June 1 through August 13, guests are invited to visit Color Me Mine Natomas Monday through Thursday to help paint bowls that will be donated to the Empty Bowls fundraiser.

Participation is simple:

• Guests pay one studio fee per bowl painted
• Color Me Mine Natomas donates the ceramic bowl itself
• Our team will glaze and fire each piece
• Finished bowls will then be donated to River City Food Bank for the Empty Bowls event
• As a thank you for participating, each guest will receive a half off studio fee card to use during a future visit

No reservations are required for participation. Guests can stop in anytime Monday through Thursday and simply let our team know they are here to paint an Empty Bowls bowl.

Can I Paint a Bowl and Something Else for Myself?

Yes! Guests are welcome to participate in the fundraiser while also painting personal pottery pieces during the same visit.

If you would like to paint a donation bowl in addition to another item for yourself, the fundraiser bowl will still require an additional studio fee. You will still receive the half off studio fee coupon for participating in the Empty Bowls program.

A Creative Way to Support the Sacramento Community

One of the most meaningful parts of Empty Bowls is the symbolism behind every handmade piece. At the fundraiser event, attendees take home a bowl as a reminder of the empty bowls that still exist in our community and the importance of helping ensure everyone has access to food and support.

We’re honored to help bring this project to life and excited to see our community come together through creativity, generosity, and connection.

Whether you paint one bowl or several, every piece helps support River City Food Bank’s work throughout Sacramento County.

We hope you’ll join us this summer and help fill the shelves with beautiful handmade bowls for an incredible cause.

Interested in attending the event? Learn more here!