Hunger Through My Lens launches first photo exhibit in San Luis Valley, aims to create change
ALAMOSA, Co (November 4, 2015) – With a click, a camera captures a moment and experience to share with others. Five local residents have taken photographs to share; their stories are personal and show how hunger affects their families and our communities. They are all participants—the real-life experts—of an advocacy project called Hunger Through My Lens, which started in Denver, and is now expanding to other areas of Colorado.
The San Luis Valley project’s first photo exhibit opens for public display on Friday, November 6, from 6 to 8pm at Milagros Coffeehouse in downtown Alamosa. The photographs will be on view throughout the rest of the month.
Hunger Through My Lens, a project of Hunger Free Colorado, LaPuente Home and the Food Bank Network of the San Luis Valley, is shedding light on the reality of hunger in Colorado. It is based on the photovoice model, a form of participatory action research that has been widely used in academic and other fields. Digital cameras are the main medium for participants to express themselves and put real stories to the overwhelming statistics surrounding hunger and food insecurity. The participants maintain rights to all of their photographs.
“One in seven of our neighbors are at risk of hunger, but this prevalent issue, one that impacts everyone, is often silent and invisible,” said Kathy Underhill, executive director for Hunger Free Colorado. “Hunger Through My Lens serves as a platform for Coloradans to share their stories. The participants—those who experience hunger—are the experts and the foundation of this project, and showcasing their perspective is the first step in working towards new solutions.”
The group of participants includes three women and two men of varying ages, locations and backgrounds. They range in age from late 20s to mid-60s and reside in local areas, such as San Luis, Garland, Blanca, and