Tables of hand-crafted ceramics and colorful pottery lined the Harbor Village sidewalk in Ventura, Calif., for the fourth annual Bowl of Thanks event organized by the Ventura County Potter’s Guild and Food Share of Ventura County (Food Share). From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the weekend of Nov. 8-9, the event offered a variety of unique pottery pieces for purchase, made by local Ventura residents, alongside a fundraiser that raised thousands of dollars for Food Share. The support from the community and local artists was meaningful, given the pause of SNAP benefits amid the government shutdown.
“I think it’s wonderful … a great way to raise money, [Food Share is] clearly in need of feeding people right now,” Jennifer Kagawa, an attendee of the event, said. “I would love to see more of this, and I’m grateful for the potters and for Food Share for coming together.”
Priced at $25 each, pottery vendors donated handmade bowls for Food Share to sell under the Bowl of Thanks fundraiser. Additionally, restaurants in the Harbor Village contributed to the cause, with every bowl including a “food passport” that allowed buyers to try free samples from several businesses. Apart from the fundraiser, sales from the pottery market vendors went to each artist, as well as the Ventura County Potter’s Guild. From sculptures to textured kitchenware, the array of talents, techniques and art styles offered something for everyone.
“I’m thoughtful about every piece,” Wendi Butler (Clay by Wendi), a pottery vendor who donated 25 bowls to the fundraiser, said. She gives all of her creations a unique name. “When someone notices [a detail] I intended them to see, that makes my heart happy.”
“[People] depended on Food Share,” Butler said. “Now, with the fact that so many folks are not being paid because of the government shutdown, we have even more families in crises.”
Following the government shutdown on Oct. 1, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) grocery benefits – among other programs – have been reduced and delayed. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) paused funding on SNAP on Nov. 1, affecting nearly 42 million Americans who relied on such benefits. Some states had begun partially funding November SNAP payments, which were not authorized by USDA or the Trump administration – an action states will be required to reverse unless the shutdown ends.
“There’s a lot of people that this has completely interrupted their life,” Michelle Hatch, the Executive Assistant at Food Share, said. “Our participation from people coming to seek help has increased dramatically.”
The organization has 44 employees and a 3,000-person volunteer force, with 180 food pantries located across Ventura County. In October, Food Share provided over 1.5 million meals: a level of success that is mirrored in the Bowl of Thanks fundraiser, which garnered $13,000 on Nov. 8 alone, with more than 300 bowls sold on Nov. 9.
“I love my job. I love the mission. I love how the community kind of bands together and tries to figure out a way to solve whatever issue is going on,” Hatch said. “It’s been a beautiful partnership, the restaurants that have come together … and [are] so willing to engage with the community.”
The evening air settled upon Harbor Village as guests concluded their exploration of the pottery market, the restaurants, and the lively atmosphere at the Bowl of Thanks event. Whether they bought a bowl, donated to Food Share, dined at a restaurant or simply browsed the vendors, attendees supported their community in a time of national unpredictability.
“I’m just glad that [Food Share is] there,” Hatch said. “No matter what happens, they’re going to be there.”
Amber Duhs • Nov 18, 2025 at 3:40 pm
Such an amazing article!!! A well deserved Best of SNO to two amazing writers!