Research Grounded in Human Rights Helps Ensure the Right to Food

A powerful research program at the Drexel University School of Public Health uses the technique of "photovoice" to show how the right to food is a human right.

In 2007, approximately 12.4 million children in the United States were at risk for hunger. Dr. Mariana Chilton, a professor at the Drexel University School of Public Health, created the “Witnesses to Hunger” project, which provided an opportunity for 40 mothers in Philadelphia living in poverty to show the dire circumstances they face each and everyday. The women’s photographs show a desolate collage of run-down homes, asthma and kitchens in disrepair. They also show family life, beautiful children, and hope for a better future.

The work of Dr. Chilton and her colleagues at Drexel University was captured in an article published in the most recent edition of the international journal, Health and Human Rights. The article shows the level of food insecurity and how the “Witnesses to Hunger” changes the dialogue on hunger in the United States, while also being grounded in a human rights framework.

"For ten years, our research has been documenting the health and wellbeing of children in relation to hunger and poverty alleviation programs. Unfortunately, there have been no significant changes in national and local hunger rates for more than a decade. It was time for a new frame of reference. It was time to change the conversation about poverty and hunger in the United States,” said Chilton about "Witnesses to Hunger." "We think that listening to the voices, experiences and wisdom of mothers who are the true experts can truly inspire the public and policy makers to make decisive changes in policies for low income families."

The "Witnesses to Hunger" exhibit was first shown at Drexel University, and has since been on display at a U.S. Senate building in Washington, DC, Harrisburg, PA and at sites across Philadelphia. The exhibit will continue to travel to sites across the region.