Students Give Back Through Art: Creating Ceramic Bowls for Hunger Awareness

It’s the season of giving and students at Fairbanks Local Schools are giving back!

In a world where social awareness and creativity often intersect, the unique initiative of the Union County Empty Bowls Project is raising awareness for food insecurity while fostering a sense of community and empathy among local students.

Through the collaborative efforts of students and staff at Fairbanks Local Schools, The Union County Empty Bowls Project, a hunger awareness event introduced by IMPACT60, is using art—specifically ceramic bowls—as a powerful symbol of both need and hope. This creative project not only brings awareness to student participants about food insecurity in the community, but it also educates them and encourages a hands-on approach to giving back, combining artistic expression and social responsibility. The proceeds received from the Union County Empty Bowls Project will support Blessings in a Backpack, Impact Station, and local high school food pantries across Union County, including benefiting students at Fairbanks.

Art with a Purpose

At the heart of this initiative is the creation of ceramic bowls. These bowls serve as tangible representations of the basic need for food. With instruction from Fairbanks fine art teacher, Mitzi Noland, students at Fairbanks are experiencing authentic learning by creating and designing bowls for the Union County Empty Bowls Project. IMPACT60 has provided funding to help the students create the bowls and has also assisted with purchasing supplies. The goal at IMPACT60 is to create 300 bowls for the event, and under Mitzi’s leadership, Fairbanks art students are already making great strides, having crafted over 100 bowls toward that target. These bowls will be used at the Community Meal for the hunger awareness event at Bistro 52’ in Memorial Hospital on March 16, 2025.

The idea is simple: each bowl made represents a meal that could be provided to someone in need. Today’s youth are the future of our community and the role of students in this initiative is pivotal. As both the creators and benefactors of the Union County Empty Bowls Project, Fairbanks students are learning valuable lessons about empathy, community involvement, and the importance of giving back to not just their community, but also their fellow classmates.

Understanding the Need

This year’s annual report card issued by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce indicates there are 1,028 students enrolled in the Fairbanks Local School District. Nearly 28% of students in the district benefit from free lunch, reduced lunch, or the Blessings in a Backpack program.

The Fairbanks School Coordinator for Blessings in a Backpack, Dear Rice, stated, “It's important to note that the Fairbanks school district covers a vast area throughout Union County, including parts of Marysville, Milford Center, Unionville, Plain City, and Delaware. Our Blessing in a Backpack program relies on financial donations, fundraising, and food drives within our chapter. However, with the cost of food increasing by 25 percent from 2019 to 2023, it has become incredibly challenging to provide nutritious meals to our students. Currently, our budget allows for $3.75 per student, which includes two breakfasts, two dinners, two snacks, and two drinks. For some of these students, the meals provided by the program are their only reliable source of nourishment, as they depend on school lunches for their daily meals.”

Empowerment Through Creativity

Students are helping students by using talents and creativity to craft these bowls and participate in this project. This serves as an eye-opening experience, by encouraging students to think beyond their own needs and consider the challenges faced by those who struggle to access basic resources like food.

The process of creating these bowls also becomes a form of self-expression. Fairbanks art students have taken creative liberties in decorating their bowls by incorporating colors, patterns, and designs that resonate with them. This provides students an outlet to connect personal experiences with the larger goal of raising awareness for a critical cause. Whether it’s through a simple design or more intricate artwork, the bowls have become a way for students to contribute to a cause that’s bigger than themselves.

Beyond the creative element, students are experiencing a sense of empowerment. By participating in the Union County Empty Bowls Project, Fairbanks students are learning that their efforts, no matter how small, can make a significant impact. It’s an important lesson about the power of collective action—how a group of individuals can unite to create change, even when facing complex societal challenges like food insecurity.

The Power of Collective Action

One of the most powerful aspects of this project is its ability to bring people together around a common cause: the impact of giving back. Whether it be students, teachers, parents, or community members, everyone plays an important role in addressing hunger. The act of giving—whether through creating art, raising funds, or spreading awareness—reinforces the idea that individuals, like the amazing students and faculty at Fairbanks, can make a difference, no matter their age or background.

While we have made great strides in providing support through school meal programs, community partnerships, and educational initiatives, there is still much more to be done. By working together—schools, families, local organizations, and the community at large—we can ensure that every student has access to the food they need to thrive academically, socially, and physically. At IMPACT60, we encourage everyone in the community to get involved and help make a difference in the lives of our students!

Frequently Asked Questions

Share this article

Help Us Fight Food Insecurity

Join IMPACT60 in making a difference. Whether through volunteering your time or making a donation, your support directly impacts families in Central Ohio.

IMPACT60 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.