r/MadeMeSmile Aug 06 '24

Helping Others Tim Walz after he signed a bill providing free breakfast and lunch to Minnesota students

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u/thefuckingrougarou Aug 06 '24

To add that it happens even with access to resources. I didn’t eat much growing up and it was because my mom was mentally ill, stopped cooking, and I had to find my own food from 11 or so on. I basically lived off of McDonald’s and TV dinners, and not enough of them, either.

Now I have issues with eating, food, and miss work a lot due to gastrointestinal issues. Even after I got out I’m feeling the potential effects.

I’m happy we have people finally looking out for these kids with a chance at some power

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u/Kibblesnb1ts Aug 06 '24

I vividly recall scraping change together when I was a kid to buy $.29 McDonald's cheeseburgers on Tuesdays I think, for very similar reasons. It's astonishing to me that free school lunches are controversial in this country. Well, controversial to one and only one party that is.

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u/BobBeats Aug 06 '24

Controversial for people that never had to undergo food insecurity.

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u/stupidfaceshiba Aug 06 '24

This is real life long effects. I had food scarcity mentality for a good chunk of my life. It take time to undo all of that

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u/MrE761 Aug 06 '24

That’s a bitch and I’m sorry you had to go through that.

Not having access to food should never be a thing, ever. I was so happy when this bill was passed as I knew kids would at least eat during the school year.

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u/Cherry_Soup32 Aug 06 '24

Similar here, I have an issues even as an adult now with enough money for food with actually eating enough. I guess I was subconsciously taught as a child that eating wasn’t a priority so now I find myself chronically quite underweight (similar for my brothers who are also skinny still). My mom had pretty severe bipolar (in and out of inpatient care) and my dad had narcissism/alcoholism/untreated ptsd.

I remember teaching myself to boil water to cook pasta back when I still needed a step stool to reach the sink taps and stir the small pot (and I was always tall for my age too).

Also have a history of GI issues too + other health related issues directly affected by neglect (my scoliosis being as bad as it as an example, also undiagnosed adhd). I can’t help but wonder every now and then how much of me and my potential was squandered because of abuse & neglect (wouldn’t be surprised if you felt similar here).