Overall Category Winner – Evan Dellaera
Street Vendors-Mỹ Tho, Vietnam(2020)
Street food vendors play an integral role in within the global framework. These vendors are crucial in guaranteeing food accessibility for who struggle with financial security. Since operation costs of these stalls remains low, they are able to provide their food at a cost relative to their operation costs. People and countries with a lower income depend on street vendors to support themselves. Vendors are also responsible for promoting and maintaining cultural identity. In many Asian and Latin American countries, street food is a symbol of national pride. These vendors ensure that local food, which is often held in such high regard, continues to identify with the locals while simultaneously introducing these foods to tourists and foreigners. This photo, taken in Mỹ Tho, Vietnam in 2020, shows the tedious work these vendors go through every day. From setting up their stalls, to purchasing the products, their workday starts early, and ends late, and often requires working in all weather conditions. It’s hard work, and one that doesn’t often lead to large financial success, but nonetheless integral to the fabric of culture and society.