Someone told me that WIC is doing away with juice this year since most pedi's dont recommend it anymore and supplementing that with baby food. Is this true? My appointment isn't until the 15th and the baby food doesn't do me any good now that I'm trying to transition off of it..
Please let me know what they say. My WIC appointment isn't until February. There is so much juice dh and I drink it. DS gets 4 ounces juice mixed with 2 ounces water a day. The rest is milk and water.
Well, honestly, considering it has no nutritional value and we all pay for it with our taxes... I'd be glad if it was gone. Sorry!
QUOTE(babymOmmax2 @ Jan 11 2009, 08:49 PM) [snapback]1142257[/snapback] Someone told me that WIC is doing away with juice this year since most pedi's dont recommend it anymore and supplementing that with baby food. Is this true? My appointment isn't until the 15th and the baby food doesn't do me any good now that I'm trying to transition off of it.. I just got WIC last week (for the first time so I dont know if things have changed recently...) in the orientation they said there will be changes in June, but only mentioned it having to do with possibly adding baby food and changing age of giving cereal. I receive the WIC for myself too and the juice is only given on my checks; however, my girls are only 8 weeks old. We don't plan to give our girls juice (empty calories blah blah blah) but figure I will get the concentrate and save it just in case, if we don't need it, I will give it to a food pantry. I've worked and paid into the system for 17 years now (almost 18 actually), full time, at least one job for 13 of those. I've worked for the government for almost 5 now and figure if they are offering it, I will accept it. I've been out of work for almost 5 months due to bedrest and ran out of paid leave long ago. (this is kinda directed to the comment about paying for it....not everyone on WIC is abusing/using it kwim? the comment sort of came across in that manner)
QUOTE(FutureHopes @ Jan 12 2009, 08:08 PM) [snapback]1144269[/snapback] this is kinda directed to the comment about paying for it....not everyone on WIC is abusing/using it kwim? the comment sort of came across in that manner I totally agree with you. I was offended by that comment and have been debating with myself about if I should reply or not. I never thought I'd qualify for WIC. DH and I both have good paying jobs. But, I was put on bedrest at 19 weeks and ran out of paid leave before the girls were even born. We don't get WIC anymore now that I am back to work, but it was extremely helpful in those months that I was home with the babies. To the original poster, I understand your dilemma. I agree that juice isn't a good option, but I can see that it would be a problem if you are trying to transition off of pureed food. When I was on WIC, I remember them saying they were going to try to replace the juice with fresh fruits and vegetables. Maybe that is what will happen and you can get something that will work for you. I'm curious about this even though we no longer qualify, so if anyone has more info, please post.
I dont think taking juice off the WIC list is going to affect our taxes for the better. I am though very appreciative that I just recently qualified for WIC, having worked for 20 years before becoming a SAHM, i've paid a few bucks in taxes. I would love to see them replace juice for fruits and veggies.
QUOTE(lalalauren @ Jan 12 2009, 11:05 PM) [snapback]1144344[/snapback] Showing my green-ness... what is WIC? Google here I come It's a government program that helps pay for food and things of nutritional value for mother and infants that can't provide for themselves. I would not complain about any amount of free food/juice/formula if I were on the program. I know it may be a pain but you can also pay for it yourself. KWIM?
QUOTE(sharerc @ Jan 12 2009, 09:34 PM) [snapback]1144391[/snapback] It's a government program that helps pay for food and things of nutritional value for mother and infants that can't provide for themselves. I would not complain about any amount of free food/juice/formula if I were on the program. I know it may be a pain but you can also pay for it yourself. KWIM? Thank you.
QUOTE(sharerc @ Jan 12 2009, 07:34 PM) [snapback]1144391[/snapback] It's a government program that helps pay for food and things of nutritional value for mother and infants that can't provide for themselves. I would not complain about any amount of free food/juice/formula if I were on the program. I know it may be a pain but you can also pay for it yourself. KWIM? Did someone say it is a pain? I think it's wonderful myself
QUOTE(sharerc @ Jan 12 2009, 10:34 PM) [snapback]1144391[/snapback] It's a government program that helps pay for food and things of nutritional value for mother and infants that can't provide for themselves. I would not complain about any amount of free food/juice/formula if I were on the program. I know it may be a pain but you can also pay for it yourself. KWIM? WOW. these programs exist for a reason. I feel lucky I have never been in a position to use them and yet I'm still glad they are in place. Our government wastes a ton of money on completely ridiculous things, this isn't one of them.
My sitter is on WIC and her biggest issue is that she never gets enough formula. In response to juice, I'd rather see more formula offered instead of juice. We had a "mother" down here in Tampa that was arrested for child abuse because she watered down her formula so much because she wasn't receiving enough from WIC. (Of course there's more than one reason behind her watering it down, but that's her official story. . .) My opinion is I'd rather see more healthy items, like more formula, finger foods, and baby food, cereals, etc. than juice.
QUOTE(becasquared @ Jan 13 2009, 08:10 AM) [snapback]1144775[/snapback] My sitter is on WIC and her biggest issue is that she never gets enough formula. In response to juice, I'd rather see more formula offered instead of juice. We had a "mother" down here in Tampa that was arrested for child abuse because she watered down her formula so much because she wasn't receiving enough from WIC. (Of course there's more than one reason behind her watering it down, but that's her official story. . .) My opinion is I'd rather see more healthy items, like more formula, finger foods, and baby food, cereals, etc. than juice. WIC is only meant as a SUPPLEMENTAL form of help. It doesn't promise x amount of cans to get one through a complete month or time period.
There is nothing wrong with being on WIC. It's just my opinion that they should focus on giving more items with good nutritional value, than wasting money on things like juice that not only have poor nutritional value, but can lead to rotten teeth if it's not given in moderation. I know the ladies here know what they're doing, but I'm sure a lot of families on WIC are not as informed and probably let them sip juice all day. I wasn't trying to offend anyone. I just think there are better use of the money. And yes, we all pay for WIC... even most of the people who benefit from it. Another reason to make sure it's not wasted money.
I was a bit offended as well. I work a nine hour day 5 days a week. I have never been on welfare or unemployment. I work everyday but I also qualify for WIC. Formula is expensive and I pay for it with my taxes as well. With all of the other expenses that come with parenthood I can use all of the help I can get. I am not to proud to turn away help. It's Okay, I still love you guys!
Um, I do not qualify for WIC, but juice is so expensive that I cannot afford it. Nonetheless, I'm buying juice for other people. I'll put myself in the shoes of those who do qualify for WIC if they will take the time to put their feet in my shoes. I drive a 10 year old paid-for white mini-van. I buy my kids' clothing from consignment stores and Goodwill. We do not own a HiDef or Large Screen TV. We do not own a Wii or any other gaming/video system. We have basic cable TV. My kids have never been to Disney World because we can't afford it. We usually camp for vacation because it's cheaper. I wear the same clothing I wore in 1998. . . I haven't purchased a new item of non-maternity clothing for myself since 2006 (not even new undies, folks). When I tried to consign my maternity clothing after the twins were born in June 2008, the consignment store told me that my clothes were out-of-style and would not buy them from me. I'm still wearing the same $27 running shoes that I bought five years ago. The last time I ate out in a restaurant was Sunday night, only because they were running a special and our family could eat out for $15. I've been to Starbucks maybe 4 times in my entire life. I only get my hair cut once every year to year and a half, and I never pay more than $15 to do so. I've never had manicure, pedicure or hair treatment. Never been to a spa. I do not have an expensive diaper bag: cost $20 or less. . . and I use the free ones that the formula people give out at the hospital. I could go on and on giving some facts about my family/myself. . . we people who do not qualify for WIC and have cut juice from our own budgets because it is expensive and not good for kids' teeth. I can't even afford to take my kids to a picture studio because it's too expensive. Before anyone gets too offended by what Fran27 said, think twice about where your money goes before you complain about offense. I'm kinda offended that some folks on WIC own HiDef TVs and Wii gaming systems but think the taxpayers such as myself should buy their juice for the kids they gave birth to.
at my last appointment they told me they were replacing the juice with fresh fruits. i think she said they were putting bread on there too. not sure about that one though.
QUOTE(babymOmmax2 @ Jan 13 2009, 10:27 PM) [snapback]1145666[/snapback] wow.. maybe i shouldnt have started this thread.. i havnt really got my question answered! Exactly. Let keep this on topic not a debate about who qualifies for WIC. Thanks.
QUOTE(Emily@Home @ Jan 13 2009, 05:41 PM) [snapback]1145697[/snapback] Article about WIC plans. Hopefully this article will help in your quest for an answer! Thank you so much! That was very helpful! It does answer the question. I think this is a good change. I am also glad that the article shows an idea of income level for those who qualify for WIC. I do not work a minimum wage job. I make over $15.00 per hour. That is not much but even making that amount I still qualify for the WIC program.
I'm glad you put that out there Emily. While it doesn't sound like I"m in the same situation you are in (money wise), it still bothers me to no end how some take advantage of government programs. IMO, those on WIC could go without internet, as that's a luxury service right? Hmmm..... I'm very thankful that DH and I have great jobs and can provide our children with luxury items and provide them with necessary items as well. But I work hard to make that happen.
Again, please keep the thread on topic. The First Year Forum is not a debate forum. It is hear to give advice and support to caregivers of twins aged 0-12 months. The Cornucopia forum is open for debatable topics. The only requirement is that the member be a part of the REWARDS group. Also, please keep in mind our Terms of Service, specifically "Offensive Material -Because of the diversity of our community, posted messages must also not belittle the beliefs of other users, either personally directed towards another user or in a general nature. We ask that you use consideration for the feelings, experiences, situations and even national, cultural, religious and ethnic differences of the other members of this community before posting comments that may be considered offensive to others who may not share your views. This includes, but is not limited to using vulgar, profane, or sexually explicit language; using race, religion, sexual orientation, culture, ethnicity, handicap, nationality, or gender as a means of insult; using threatening, harassing, and defamatory, hate-speech, or libelous language; and posting, requesting, or otherwise sharing material considered pornographic, obscene, graphic, or hate speech. This includes, but is not limited to: name-calling; direct insults and orders; insinuations; or insults towards family." The Twinstuff Terms of Service can be found at the top of the main page, next to My Portal. Thank you.
I do qualify for WIC. I'm thrilled they will be offering fruits, vegetables and bread. I have wondered for a long time why they didn't. P.S. I worked full time from the time I was 17 until 1 month before the twins were born. I don't own a HiDef TV, I clip coupons, I drive a '99 Ford Windstar, my clothes were bought at thrift stores and 95% of my children's clothes were handed down to them. Internet is needed for my SO's work. And I thought it was up to the WIC office to judge whether or not I qualify, not the taxpayers.
