I have been on WIC for a couple of months now. I have some reflections on my experience thus far that I'd like to share.
I certainly do not want to be one to look a gift horse in the mouth.
I do not say what I'm about to say in a way that is bashing a government run program because that is not how I operate. I am, however, wanting to share some ways I think the program could be improved and also say that maybe one day I will work toward improving this- and actually use that darn Masters in Local Government that I've got. Additionally, WIC qualifies different people for different things, so these reflections are based on what my family was approved to get.
My issues with WIC are as follows:
1. Produce
We are allotted $10 of produce per month. TEN DOLLARS. I don't think I need to elaborate here as we all know how much produce costs. If the goal of WIC to supplement families' budgets to provide for healthy menu options, I'm going to need a bit more than $10 and less of...well...see number 2.
2. 20+ jars of baby food PER WEEK.
Woah!! No thank you. I do not even use these coupons. I do not use baby food and I certainly don't need over 20 jars every week. Nor do I need...
3. 2 Gallons of Milk (least expensive brand)
Okay, again, I don't mean to be all high-nosed and "too good for WIC" here, but...I guess maybe I am. Now granted, if I was truly needy, I wouldn't be complaining about what kind of milk I got. But, for many years my husband and I have chosen to not drink the "least expensive brand" or any brand of milk that has gone through extensive processing and come from cows that have been given hormones and other poor treatment. No offense to anyone who drinks regular store brand milk-- there are different priorities for every family and this is one that is important to us. The same goes for the...
4. 2 dozen eggs per week (least expensive brand)
The list could go on and I also want to say that because we are also on food stamps, I will be quitting the WIC program next month. I truly believe that for this season of our lives, God is providing for our food needs through our government. I know it won't be like this forever and I am certainly not one to take advantage of great programs that help the truly needy. But, we do not need both programs. With the food stamps, we can afford to feed our family quality, safe, healthy food. The WIC program, though only meant to supplement a family's food needs, does not, in my opinion, support what I view as a healthy diet for my family.
One thing I greatly appreciate about WIC, however, is their support for breastfeeding. Our local WIC office is plastered with signs advocating breastfeeding and the coupons you get for a breastfed baby, though a waste of paper, are downright adorable. I get a chuckle every time I see the type-written coupon that reads "Breastmilk: $0. Mom's priceless gift." :)
Okay, enough ranting about that. It's been on my mind for awhile and I'm not sure how the program should be changed, but I do think giving more of a produce allowance and less coupons for the other stuff is one step that should be taken. I'll be thinking on this...
But for now, I leave you with a few pictures. :)
I certainly do not want to be one to look a gift horse in the mouth.
I do not say what I'm about to say in a way that is bashing a government run program because that is not how I operate. I am, however, wanting to share some ways I think the program could be improved and also say that maybe one day I will work toward improving this- and actually use that darn Masters in Local Government that I've got. Additionally, WIC qualifies different people for different things, so these reflections are based on what my family was approved to get.
My issues with WIC are as follows:
1. Produce
We are allotted $10 of produce per month. TEN DOLLARS. I don't think I need to elaborate here as we all know how much produce costs. If the goal of WIC to supplement families' budgets to provide for healthy menu options, I'm going to need a bit more than $10 and less of...well...see number 2.
2. 20+ jars of baby food PER WEEK.
Woah!! No thank you. I do not even use these coupons. I do not use baby food and I certainly don't need over 20 jars every week. Nor do I need...
3. 2 Gallons of Milk (least expensive brand)
Okay, again, I don't mean to be all high-nosed and "too good for WIC" here, but...I guess maybe I am. Now granted, if I was truly needy, I wouldn't be complaining about what kind of milk I got. But, for many years my husband and I have chosen to not drink the "least expensive brand" or any brand of milk that has gone through extensive processing and come from cows that have been given hormones and other poor treatment. No offense to anyone who drinks regular store brand milk-- there are different priorities for every family and this is one that is important to us. The same goes for the...
4. 2 dozen eggs per week (least expensive brand)
The list could go on and I also want to say that because we are also on food stamps, I will be quitting the WIC program next month. I truly believe that for this season of our lives, God is providing for our food needs through our government. I know it won't be like this forever and I am certainly not one to take advantage of great programs that help the truly needy. But, we do not need both programs. With the food stamps, we can afford to feed our family quality, safe, healthy food. The WIC program, though only meant to supplement a family's food needs, does not, in my opinion, support what I view as a healthy diet for my family.
One thing I greatly appreciate about WIC, however, is their support for breastfeeding. Our local WIC office is plastered with signs advocating breastfeeding and the coupons you get for a breastfed baby, though a waste of paper, are downright adorable. I get a chuckle every time I see the type-written coupon that reads "Breastmilk: $0. Mom's priceless gift." :)
Okay, enough ranting about that. It's been on my mind for awhile and I'm not sure how the program should be changed, but I do think giving more of a produce allowance and less coupons for the other stuff is one step that should be taken. I'll be thinking on this...
But for now, I leave you with a few pictures. :)
I've definitely had some of my own thoughts about WIC. I've been on it for 3 months now. How many of you are on it? Just you and little bit, right? I'm on it for being pregnant and Sasha is on it for being a youngin'. I can't get benefits for my 13yo or my husband. I think that is an important note as far as what they are providing to you.
ReplyDeleteI didn't like that we had to be tested for iron. Perhaps if they explained WHY.
Between the two of us, we are allotted $16 worth of produce per month. 3 18oz jars (must be exact size!) of peanut butter. It was 2 + dry beans, but I got them to change it. We get 8 gallons of whole milk. Originally some of that was low fat milk. I don't drink low fat milk and was amazed they changed it for me! (I do chat up my WIC agent, though!) We DO, however, go through a LOT of milk (3-4 gallons per week!). I don't have a problem with cheap milk now that more milk brands have stopped using hormones in their cows.
I think you can get extra food allotments for breastfeeding, but not at Sasha's age. I only get benefits because I'm pregnant. However, we're on an eWIC program through our local Indian Clinic, though rumor has it the state will be switching over soon, too.
I had never been on WIC before, but this eWIC thing is mostly pretty easy! No coupons. Just a weird card. (It doesn't swipe, it has something like a SIM card in it.)
I'll be applying for Food Stamps once my unemployment runs out. I haven't been on FS in 20 years. I think they have that on a card now, too.
I have never been on WIC, for which I am grateful, but I share your concerns. I remember in college our friend got it and her twins were lactose intolerant but she could only get dairy milk and dairy cheese. She gave me and my roommate like 4 lbs of cheese, I think she got that much every week.
ReplyDeleteIt is pretty obvious who is funding these programs and it isn't the Turnip Council.
Do you still get peanut butter and bags of dried beans? I suppose those are a little better. But $10 for produce? Good lord, I have spent $9 on a bag on grapes or cherries! That is appalling.
While no government program is without it's flaws, I support WIC more than food stamps. I do agree - the produce allotment is lacking. And it doesn't seem right that you can only buy one type of product (milk, eggs) or it's nothing. Maybe allowing so much money - like $3 per gallon - towards milk and having the client pay the difference of organic is more fair. And most ppl don't do baby-led weaning for a variety of reasons. 20 baby food jars for a week is about half of what you'd need if you were following the traditional way of feeding. But if you don't use the coupons, maybe they could allow that money to be spent on other healthy foods - like more produce. My problem with food stamps is there's hardly any restrictions on how it can be spent. You are atypical in how informed and educated you are in this group. I've worked with food stamp and WIC clients and worked at Walmart for a short time. How much junk food was purchased was appalling - Doritos, Hostess cakes, pop, etc. And then they'd try to use change/cash to buy unapproved items (booze, cigs, etc) At least with WIC you have to buy healthy food. And like I said, improvements can always be made, but unfortunately so many people feel entitled to these benefits. (You _definitely_ do not fit this.) Sometimes making a program too easy or with lush benefits give no incentive to be self-sufficient.
ReplyDeleteJust my two cents. Please don't hate me. :)
Oh, crap. I just realize I wrote "it's" instead of "its". Grammar police! :)
ReplyDeleteJenny,
ReplyDeleteYes, I totally agree with your points. And like I said, I'm not sure what the solution should be, exactly, but I do like your idea of a certain allotment that requires the person to pay the difference for some items. And man, so true about people using their food stamps to buy junk. That's too bad. And I did ask the WIC office if I could NOT have the baby food coupons and maybe have more of something else instead and was turned down, but I did try! And of course I don't hate you!!
And Jorje, yes, the food stamps for us is also on a swipey-card.
Thanks for your input, ladies! I appreciate it! :)
I agree, Adrienne. I hate the hoops you have to jump through too, while at the grocery store like Jorje said. You have to do so much math while standing in the aisle with your kids!
ReplyDeleteI do love the improvement that Jenny said about just giving an allotment for milk and the other items and allowing families to pay the difference. I understand the frustration of some families abusing the food stamp program.
Just to let you know how it works up here in Canada:
ReplyDeleteSince I was gainfully employed before my son was born last year, I was entitled to 50 weeks of Employment Insurance. I received 25 payments of $804.
Every family is also automatically entitled to $100/month per child under the age of 6. So I receive $300/month, but when my second daughter turns 6yrs in December, that payment will go down to $200/month. It is called a 'Child Care Supplement', but as a SAHM I am free to spend the money however I like.
We also receive a Child Tax Credit which is created by a formula based on how many children you have (under the age of 18) and on family income. With 4 children (ages 7, 5, 3 and 1) and a family income approaching $80,000 we get $368/month. Again, we are free to spend the money however and wherever we want.
I'd like to say that I'm not bragging, but I sort of am. I feel really fortunate to live in Canada and I wish that you could move in next door to me! (Wouldn't that be fun! he he he!)
uh...moving to Canada. Tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteUgh. I'm coming to Canada!!!!
ReplyDelete