New Initiative Changes WIC Programs
Posted by: LizzieAs 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. 
Tags: breastfeeding, infant formula, wic program
October 6th, 2009 at 4:57 pm
LMAO @ the disclosure statement!
What happens to the women who CAN’T breastfeed? They go broke buying formula? I just don’t think it’s right to FORCE poor women to breastfeed if they can’t or don’t want to. When did all our choices become the government’s to regulate?
Good article. You ROCK, sista!
October 6th, 2009 at 5:05 pm
I received WIC with my two oldest children and if it weren’t for having that help with formula I would never have been able to buy it! I feel for those who depend on WIC!
October 6th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
I haven’t used WIC in years. Interesting to see changes hope they turn out great! WIC was very helpful for me!
LOVE the disclosure statement! Best I’ve seen so far!!!
October 6th, 2009 at 5:11 pm
I would never have been able to afford to feed my TWINS formula without WIC. This is sad. I see wanting to encourage BFing, but it’s just not always possible for everyone.