This highly-anticipated food experience is nearly sold out, but some seats remain for the seating time block of 2 - 4 p.m. 

While “At the Table of Belonging” is free to attend, registration is encouraged and guests who would like to enjoy the full culinary experience are encouraged to register in advance. Registration will close once all spaces are filled. 

Original Announcement: 

Original Post Date: 08/13/2026 3:38 PM 

Community members are invited to celebrate rich cultures through the universal language of food at the next session of The Belonging Project next month.

This lively event called “At the Table of Belonging” is a food experience at Sichuan Kitchen SLO, 2078 Parker St. in San Luis Obispo, on Saturday, September 12, 2026 from 12 to 4 p.m.

The event will feature dishes prepared by cultural clubs from Cal Poly and by Sichuan Kitchen, which is also co-hosting the event. In addition to the culinary experience, community members can visit cultural booths to learn more about each culture club and the work that students are doing both on and off campus.

“Food has the incredible power to bring people of all cultures together and allows each of us to share our own unique heritage with others,” said Matt Pennon, City Diversity Equity and Inclusion Manager. “Everyone interested in learning more about your neighbors, building bridges, and joining the conversation is welcome to register and join us At the Table of Belonging.”

Guests Encouraged to RSVP 
While “At the Table of Belonging” is free to attend, registration is encouraged and guests who would like to enjoy the full culinary experience can register in advance. When guests register, they can choose from two blocks of time to attend: 12 to 2 p.m. and 2 to 4 p.m. Registration will close once all spaces are filled, or September 4, 2026 at 6 p.m., whichever comes first.

Want to Help? Volunteers Are Needed  
Friendly community members can sign up to support this event and help make it a welcoming and memorable experience. Event support volunteers assist with event set-up, guest welcome, event flow, clean-up, and more.

To volunteer, set up an account at volunteer.slocity.org and then respond to the Event Support Volunteer opportunity.

This event is part of The Belonging Project, a free series of public activities, cultural events, and collaborative partnerships co-hosted by the City’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to build understanding and create a more connected San Luis Obispo.

The Belonging Project builds on the success of The Community Belonging Series, which was a two-year partnership between the City and Cal Poly that was designed to foster a more connected, welcoming San Luis Obispo. The Belonging Project is a new, ongoing initiative led by the City’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to help ensure San Luis Obispo is a place where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

Have an Idea for a Future Session? 
The City is currently seeking more ideas for future sessions. Each session of The Belonging Project will be designed to bring people together, hold meaningful conversations, promote understanding, and provide practical tools. Sessions can be workshops, cultural events, community dialogues, collaborative partnerships, and more. Individuals, businesses, and organizations can submit ideas that will help strengthen inclusive relationships and help all members of our community thrive. Sessions are free and open to all members of the community.

Visit www.slocity.org/Diversity to and click on The Belonging Project link to submit your ideas. 

Media Contact: Matt Pennon, City Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager, mpennon@slocity.org, 805.781.7073