I didn’t used to be picky about toothpaste until we started buying the Tom’s Of Maine brand.  Once we started using it, all other toothpastes tasted too sweet.  Plus Tom’s gives us the option of choosing a toothpaste with or without fluoride.

About Tom’s of Maine:

Tom’s of Maine is a leading natural products company focused on oral and personal care. For 40 years, Tom’s has been committed to supporting people, communities and the planet.

I’m happy to introduce Tom’s newest line of oral care: Wicked Fresh!™ Long-lasting Fresh Breath Toothpaste and Mouthwash.  The toothpaste gives you cavity protection and uses powerful natural flavor oils and a patent-pending botanical extract to provide long-lasting fresh breath.  The mouthwash helps stop bad breath without the burn. Our refreshing mint flavors leave your whole mouth feeling clean.

Tom’s of Maine has a contest going on!  Share your Wicked Fresh moments for a chance to win some Wicked Fresh!™ prizes on the That’s Wicked Fresh contest page.  And be sure to join Tom’s of Maine on Facebook and/or follow them on Twitter @TomsofMaine.

As of October 1, 2009, a new WIC initiative aimed at increasing breastfeeding rates among families reallocates funding for all currently provided foods, including infant formula, baby foods, juices, and fresh fruits and vegetables. This program could mean a reduction of up to 20 percent in infant-formula subsidies; parents who previously had most of their formula paid for by WIC may now have to purchase formula on their own.

What does this mean for families who currently get their formula through the WIC program?  Well, basically, it means that if you’ve been purchasing name brand infant formula, you’ll have to either switch to store brand formula or buy your own.  The reduced costs to the WIC programs will mean better food choices for families. Be sure to check with your local health department to see what changes are taking place in your WIC program.

According to the FDA, store brand formula is just as good as the national brands, as they are all regulated according to the same guidelines under the Infant Formula Act.  You can read more about store brand forumlas here.

I’ve been enrolled in the WIC program ever since I was pregnant with Corey in 2000.  In almost ten years, nothing has changed in my state.  I’ve received the same types of plans: milk, eggs, juice, beans/peanut butter, cheese, and cereal.  The only time I’ve ever received a change in my vouchers was when I was breastfeeding.  Even then, I only got more milk, more cereal, and the addition of tuna and carrots.  I’m anxious to see a change in our area’s program to include fresh fruit.  The only milk I was able to buy was cow’s milk at the lowest prices, and I’m ready to see the offering of soy milk as an alternative.  Simon had a hard time with cow’s milk when he started weaning, and we weren’t able to get anything different through the WIC program.

Stories are already starting to pop up in the news all over the country as WIC programs in other states are making the first change in almost thirty years.  I’ve never used the formula offered by WIC, but am glad to see this change occurring.  In the long run, it may encourage mothers to breastfeed longer.  And now that there will be healthier food options, it’ll be a little more worth your while dragging the kids to health department.

Yeah, yeah, my post is sponsored. Thing is, I’ve been wanting to write about this ever since I saw it in the news a few weeks ago. I’m getting a little buck for my bang, so suck it.