Hackney exhibition of life through foodbank visitors' eyes

The exhibit is called Through The Lens: Photographs by Hackney Foodbank Visitors and it is being hosted by the Museum of the Home from October 7 to 30.

Ioanna Korfiati, communities officer at the Museum of the Home, said: "Giving people that creative power, that opportunity to have their own voice and their stories told in the way they felt comfortable was the most important thing. 

"I think it brings a different perspective to what people think about when they think of the daily life of a foodbank visitor.

"It's wonderful to see the things that bring people joy and community alongside the very real challenges of food poverty and relying on foodbanks."

One of the selected photographers, Daniel, said he took this photo during lockdown: "I had no outside space in my flat so I went for walks along the canal and to Victoria Park" (Image: Daniel Hackney Foodbank 2022)

Two foodbank visitors, Angela and Daniel, created and curated the exhibition over the course of four workshops, led by photographer Jenny Matthews.

Angela said: "I was born in London, originally from Tottenham, then I moved to Hackney. I looked after my niece and nephew who are now 17 and 20. I was self-employed, but I got sick and I couldn't do my job any more.

"I came to Hackney Foodbank in 2021 after seeking advice from a local organisation to help with my low income and debt.

"I've always loved photography and was pleased to be invited by Hackney Foodbank to be involved in their photography project. I wanted to learn all different aspects of photography, build my confidence back up again and tell my story through pictures. I would love to be able to have a career in photography as I love art."

Daniel said he is part of a group in Hackney and whenever they meet up, one of the members always brings some snacks (Image: Daniel Hackney Foodbank 2022)

Pat Fitzsimons, chief executive of Hackney Foodbank, said: "This is completely new for Hackney Foodbank. The idea was to support the people who come to the foodbank out of food poverty. 

"Foodbanks are just a plaster and we really have to support people out of food poverty. I'm not saying the photography project did that but it did give two people a fantastic experience that might change their lives. We're going to check up on them and see what happens."

Daniel, the other selected photographer, said: "I was born in Hackney and first visited Hackney Foodbank in 2019 due to sickness and debt. Since then, I have been on benefits, but my household costs are more than what I can afford, so Hackney Foodbank have helped me out with food and essential items.

"I've always wanted the chance to be a photographer, so I signed up to be involved with the photography project as it was the chance to be creative - to express a better sense of my surroundings through pictures."

Daniel said: "This heart-shaped table was given to me by my mum and has sentimental value" (Image: Daniel Hackney Foodbank 2022)

Ioanna said the display was part of the Museum of the Home's bid to act as a community space: "We are interested in telling as many stories from our community as possible - about their home life and domestic life. 

"But what is also quite striking is the feeling of home or welcome people experience in community spaces and we want the museum to be part of that, a welcoming space where people can find community.

"In the context of the cost of living crisis, the energy crisis, we are a space that people can access six days a week.

"The museum is open to the public, it is free and there is no expectation that anyone has to engage in a particular way."

Angela said these are some of the items she got from the foodbank (Image: Angela Hackney Foodbank 2022)

Pat added: "I think people have an idea of the foodbank visitor and it's probably not always a good one. We need to turn that around - these are vibrant human beings and they've found themselves in this situation. And look what they can produce!"

The Museum of the Home is the new distribution centre for Hackney Foodbank. 

Sonia Solicari, director at the museum, said: "We know there is a difficult winter coming for many. We're proud to provide Hackney Foodbank with a home as we work together to serve our community."

The Museum of the Home is in Kingsland Road.