Tara Leigh Kramer is an active member of the DMARC Board of Directors and has advocated for systems-based change to address food insecurity at the local, state and national level. Tara has been instrumental in the creation of the ‘Storytellers Roundtable’ discussion series, presented at a number of engagements including the National Anti-Hunger Policy Conference, met with legislators, and shared her story on a number of state and national news outlets.
I was blessed with countless opportunities in my formative years. My parents were wealthy. They paid for my private school education. They enrolled me in dance lessons, etiquette lessons, horseback riding lessons, and so on. I went to college, and moved to Texas for an amazing career opportunity with an investment firm. I fell ill, and my symptoms became profound. I lost the ability to eat and digest food properly. My brain wasn’t functioning the way it had before. I was confused by everything and lost the ability to communicate.
I’d been living with the same partner for almost 10 years. She was so bothered by my changing body and mind, she kicked me out of our home. My family was no longer in touch with me due to my coming out as queer. I lost the ability to advocate for myself, and nobody I knew was willing to advocate for my care. I was introduced to DMARC shortly after arriving in Iowa. I was searching for resources, and they gave me a list of food pantries I could visit. I was terrified, but I went to a food pantry anyway.
I’ll never forget how I was welcomed at the door of the food pantry at Bidwell Riverside Center. I wasn’t judged by my appearance, or the way my words were strung together. The staff was so gentle and patient. They looked me in the eye. They treated me with dignity and the same kindness I would treat somebody else in need. What a blessing that day was.
People were helping me advocate for myself for the first time since becoming gravely ill. DMARC gave me an amazing opportunity to serve on a couple of their committees. I was willing and able to share my story with anybody it might benefit. I believe my story inspired DMARC to give others in our community the same opportunity they’d given me. The Storytellers Roundtable was born. The first Storytellers Roundtable was held at an accessible, safe and quiet location where others who had experienced hunger and food insecurity could challenge the prevailing stigma our culture has towards people living below the poverty level.
I met a handful of strong, brave, inspiring people who seemed nervous and timid about coming in the door. I understood, because I’d been in their shoes. Being mistreated and exploited so many times before, that’s all I’d grown to expect. Together we discussed the prevailing narrative so many have towards “the poor.” We got to share why that narrative is far from being truthful, being based off negative biases and assumptions. We were given the guidance and tools to be able to effectively share our own stories about hunger.
It was such a powerful and enlightening experience to hear the stories of these amazing human beings who had circumstances much beyond their control derail their lives, and the steps they’ve taken to navigate their new normal. Being able to use our voices in spaces where we could process traumatic events was empowering. It’s an honor to have people at DMARC consider me their friend. I know my voice will be heard and respected. Thanks to DMARC and the Storytellers Roundtable, I have been given countless opportunities to use my voice to advocate for myself and my community.
They were all so kind when I first went to the Bidwell Food Pantry. They welcomed me and there was no judgement; they were great (even singing!) while helping me shop for food. They treated me like I mattered. And provided a way for me to access fresh and healthy food which is so expensive.
