They are your neighbors. They are your friends. They are your co-workers. They are your children’s classmates. This is ProMedica: Revealing Hunger.
The photos and profiles in the exhibit each tell a poignant story- one of hunger in our community and how it impacts people’s physical and mental health. Hunger is not just a Third World problem; it affects nearly a quarter of the families living right here in Southeast Michigan and Northwest Ohio. About one out of every five families in our region receives aid to help feed their loves ones.
ProMedica, along with the help of several community partners, presented a photography exhibit at the Toledo Museum of Art, early in the summer 2013. We asked nine individuals from our region to document their experiences struggling with hunger. Over several weeks, participants utilized their new digital cameras, provided by The Andersons, to snap photographs that best illustrate their lives.
This project puts a few unlikely faces to hunger and poverty. The exhibit spotlights a hidden category of people living in poverty: The new suburban poor, middle class or formerly middle class families, as well as many children who find themselves hungry for sustenance and understanding.
Each ProMedica: Revealing Hunger participant captured the emotions of living with hunger. When you can’t afford proper nutrition, or simply lack access to fresh fruits and vegetables, an array of health problems can add to the struggle.
ProMedica: Revealing Hunger is partially about raising awareness and to inform others about the hunger issue affecting many of our community members. It is also a call for swift and meaningful action to ensure each of our citizens has access to the nutritious, affordable food they deserve.
The exhibit is will be on display in the ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital lobby starting Monday, March 30 through April 15. Photos will be changed out throughout its time here. The hospital is located at 718 North Macomb Street, Monroe.
To learn more about the exhibit and to learn more about ProMedica’s Come to the Table initiative with The Alliance to End Hunger visit www.promedica.org/revealinghunger
For more information about ProMedica, visit www.promedica.org.
