Diane Givetz

Good morning to all, I come before this committee today as an adult with food insecurity that has been a part of me always. Growing up there was never enough, of anything, be it a warm bed to a caring adult to provide necessities. Basic needs like food were at the bottom of concern when the adults are hurt and broken. Today at 59 years old standing at 4'11" and weighing 110 lbs with mouth full of fillings I still remember. I remember trying to sleep, trying to go to sleep with my belly so very empty. I remember the kindness of strangers seeing us little kids in the backseat as my Dad traveled to Oklahoma searching for something he was never satisfied with. I remember the police looking in the dark cold car outside the bars and we all try to hide (4 children, all a year apart. Me youngest)while he was trying to fight his demons. I wasn't even 5 years old. Started school in OK first grade. Headed back to NH, ended up in Gilmanton living in an army tent with bunk beds almost all winter and they made me do 1st grade again because yeah, I'm small. We bounced around an incredible amount of times and distances. The only constant was the hunger, so very sharp and real. I don't need a hug goodnight or a pillow my indulgence was saltines with butter before bed, take a lot take three! Dinner. I tell myself it ain't that bad and it really isn't. Heavy hands go with a heavy heart and Dad didn't care but we all survive our childhood. I remember 4th grade or 3rd starting new school again, Nottingham. Living in a camp, insulation on the ceiling covered with plastic so you could see the cute mice running around. It was the year I got a tooth brush, my first, Dr. Michael Stevner (who retired last year) was the best dentist. We musta got food stamps and medical cus we went to the grocery store alot. No meals at school as Nottingham was very small. I got caught taking a perfectly good banana out of the trash and the kids wouldn't let it go. I forget the principal but from then on there was always a bowl of fresh fruit in the office. That school went to 9th grade. Raymond jr/Sr was next. They had free lunch. Two lines one for paying one for free. Side by side, the haves and the have nots. Peoples can be so mean, laughing and joking while all I need is some grub. They complain how gross the food is not even knowing. The money line moved fast, faster than mine. Slim Pickens but the lunch ladies did their best. Being well mannered and polite as I still am around food they treated me like a princess when I finally arrived at the ball. They stopped the segregated lines and moved to different colored tickets before I graduated. The kids were still mean but I didn't have to worry about missing lunch. I share with you where I think my insecurities started so long ago and tell you they effect me still. Kids should not have to wonder and worry if and when they gonna get a full belly or something to eat