"Did You Eat Yet?" – A Mural of Community and Food Security

In the fall of 2023, I had the honor of completing a mural that has been very close to my heart, entitled "Did You Eat Yet?" Measuring 8 x 16 feet this vibrant acrylic on dibond installation now adorns the Harbor Health Center in Dorchester. Created in collaboration with the Center’s Food Pantry and the City of Boston, the mural celebrates community and cultural heritage.

Located in the bustling Neponset neighborhood, the mural is not just a piece of public art; it is a dynamic canvas that speaks to the heart of food security and community engagement. The inspiration behind this mural stems from the question many of us in the Vietnamese community ask as a greeting, "Did you eat yet?" which reflects the deep connection between food, care, and community.

As the lead artist on this project, I engaged with the community through a series of focus groups with food pantry users. These discussions provided invaluable insights into the local families' relationships with food, which helped shape the narrative and imagery of the mural. The design process was deeply collaborative, ensuring that the final artwork resonated with the experiences and aspirations of the people it represents.

This mural illuminates the intersection of art and advocacy, spotlighting the critical issue of food insecurity in an urban context. It transforms the neighborhood's fabric, adding a burst of color and life to the urban landscape while sparking conversations about the importance of food access and community support.

Through "Did You Eat Yet?" I aimed to create a visual dialogue about the connections we share through food—the ways it nurtures, sustains, and brings us together. This project has been a profound reminder of the power of community art to not only beautify a space but also to engage and inspire action on pivotal social issues. I am immensely proud of this work and grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the Dorchester community in a meaningful way.

As we look at this mural, let it be a reminder of the strength found in community solidarity and the shared commitment to ensuring no one has to answer "no" when asked, "Did you eat yet?"

Photo credit: Ngoc-Tran Vu and Mark Araujo