WIC Is Making Changes What’s Your Thoughts?
by Kristin on September 8, 2009
The newest WIC program suggests that in order to save money Americans should breastfeed. Plain and simple the new WIC programs suggests just this, although truth be told not everyone is able to breastfeed. The federal agency WIC that provides food and access to nutritional counseling to low income women and infants has created a whole new program. The new program has fresh fruits and veggies, and even tortillas. That’s something that has ever been offered, and while I like the new program there are some flaws.
When you sign up for the WIC program you select how you feed your child. If you select the breastfeeding package, women will not receive any infant formula. Additionally, women who partially breastfeed or formula feed exclusively will receive 13 percent less formula than was afforded in previous years. This means parents who previously had most of their formula paid for by WIC may now have to purchase regular-formula on their own. For families with low incomes this is detrimental to their incomes. You know baby formula is not cheap, and I feel it’s not fair to those who supplement. I guess in a way it’s a step in the right direction with breastfeeding, but it’s not fair to those who can’t. As a mother I’ve done both breast and bottle. While I now enjoy breast better that doesn’t change my experiences with the bottle. Kai loved her bobble, it was her thing. There are other choices you can still save money and formula feed.
For formula, the store brands such as Parents Choice (the Wal-Mart store brand) is a great alternative to the pricey other formulas, but as they just as good? The FDA requires that all formulas meet the same requirements nutritionally. So get this! It’s all just the same! The only thing that’s different is the packaging the names and the fact that it’s sold by the big pharmaceutical companies. What do you think about this? Is it fair? Should WIC change?
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I was on WIC for my first baby and they gave FAR more formula then needed. I think I gave away over 2 cases of formula because I received so much. I think WIC is supposed to assist, not cover all expenses.
I’m torn because I see it both ways because I believe there is a need for it but I also think they were simply doing too much. I think its good to encourage moms to be somewhat responsible not with breastfeeding but acknowledging a baby isn’t cheap. It shouldn’t be used for some as a crutch.
I say this not to be mean but the ONLY reason my husband and I can’t have another baby is because money is so tight. Formula is a HUGE factor of that. However we don’t qualify for WIC. If I was to quit my job we would but we need the money. Why should others just get to have baby after baby because it costs them nothing. While others can’t because they can’t afford it…and their taxes are paying it to begin with
Sadly, I have a feeling that will be taken wrong. However, Kristin you know personally what I’m struggling with right now so I hope you understand it.
I agree with the way WIC is handling this. I would encourage breastfeeding because it is free and the governemnt will only need to supply the mother with some healthy foods.
Hopefully this will eliminate people having children and expecting the government to take care of them and feed their children. Unfortunately the governement can’t hand out responsibility to these families along with the free formula.
Our family has three children and while having another baby would be such a joy. I would not want to incur atleast a $100 extra to our grocery bill for formula and diapers. I already have an 11 month old that requires 4 cans of formula a month.
Half the time I see these WIC formaula cans ending up on EBAY.
I just had my WIC appt yesterday and I got my checks for when they enact the changes on Oct 1st…I have to say I am getting 1 more can a month of formula than I did before the change.
They are also adding a voucher for fresh fruits and vegetables, and the wheat bread addition (can get brown rice or tortilla substitution)
I don’t always buy the healthiest stuff for my kids when we do actual grocery shopping so I’m glad WIC is there to help me along those lines.
In all these changes I see a lot of good coming from it, instead of just getting formula, baby cereal and juice for infants (juice and cereal is added at 6months) they now added baby food and cut out the juice for infants.
WIC isn’t meant to supply all the formula, baby food, milk, juice etc for familys, its meant to help a little…and it does help, especially when times are rough and food is so crazy expensive.
Wow, first off I haven’t been here in a while. Love the new set up!
Ok…I was on WIC with both girls. I too received far more formula than I used. I do encourage breastfeeding completely, even though I didn’t breastfeed my first one at all and only for a couple of months with my second.
I have to agree with what WIC is doing. And I too agree with Jennifer. We would love to have another baby but can’t afford it. I know that we could sign up for food stamps, WIC (which isn’t that hard to get here in FL) and other government help but what’s the point. I am a firm believer don’t do it unless you can afford it. I hope that with WIC leading the pack that the food stamp office is quick to follow! There are far too may people taking advantage of the system.
I say all this not trying to be mean either. I have a sister n law right now I’d like to kick the crap out of because she just had her 3rd and is working the system every chance she gets and I love her to death but it just takes common sense. This economy is in the trouble it’s in because of things like this.
We were on wic for a while when my husband was in grad school and working only part time (i worked part time too, but wanted to stay home with my kids most of the time).
I told them that I only needed formula for one day because I was home the other days and could nurse. We got SO MUCH FORMULA…we had to give it away. And it was only the fancy stuff, in the smallest containers.
Also, my whole family drank the milk that was provided (i’m not a big milk drinker)- but the milk was intended for just me and the babies.
My husband would joke that if he lost his job, at least we would not starve. We had wic… so much food- but was supposed to be just to supplement our diet.
I am grateful that the government had these programs when we were in need (we got free health care too) but it is very poorly run as far as giving out way too much food. Also, I was so happy when my husband qualified for health insurance at work again (and we could afford it). Although now we are paying a premium and co pays and for our prescriptions there is a sense of pride in knowing that we are working hard to pay for our needs. (I almost cried when I was able to pay my first co pay again). And it is nice not to report to them every time we make an extra dime or 2. (I really did report extra money all of the time….if my husband got a small bonus at work or if i picked up extra days at my job for someone- it never changed our status, and I was on the phone for 30 min on hold, but I felt if I was receiving these things at “no cost” then I needed to be honest and do my part).
Naturally, I know that our tax dollars pay for these programs… and I am happy to help out those in need.
Not so happy to be supporting those that hope to not support them selves and make a lifestyle of living off these programs.