Daily Bread: What Kids Eat Around the World

Food is a central part of our lives and yet we tend to take it for granted. Though there’s a growing awareness about the harm of eating processed foods, awareness hasn’t led to widespread change: obesity rates are climbing and since corn syrup came along, the incidence of diabetes has tripled. For the first time in many generations, life expectancy has decreased in America and the main culprit is empty calories – processed, packaged foods promoted to us in big budget commercials. Sensing a sea change in attitude about diet and the physical effects of junk food, fast food companies have begun investing heavily in foreign markets where public awareness isn’t as keen. Before globalization overwhelms traditional regional diets, I’m making my way around the world, asking kids to keep a journal of everything they eat in a week. Once the week is up, I make a portrait of the child with the food arranged around them. The goal is to be a catalyst for change and to move the needle on diet.