to WIC or not to WIC

[loaslaen]

I wouldn't ask the neighbor to buy my daughter milk and cereal so why should I ask the tax payers to buy it?

Asking your neighbor to buy milk and cereal would put that ONE neighbor out between $5-8. And that's just for one box of cereal and a gallon of milk. However, if every neighbor (taxpayer) were to give money toward your food; each would need to give much less than what your one neighbor would need to give; therefore, there is less burden per person to provide MORE food to meet your needs. More food, particularly more nutritional food, means better health. Better health means less chance of spreading sickness to others, and running up medical bills.

[loaslaen]

hmmmm you are not asking the tax payers to buy it, you paid in to the system before this occurred. you also home school which means you have been paying taxes in EXCESS in that area. (ps sorry for the pay cut!!). this isnt a hand out you know. you will be required to take the nutrition classes, iron tests on your child, weight and height checks, you will have to prove vaccination schedule and dr visits. WIC is not welfare. it is a nutrtition program. and if your income is now within the guidelines i think you shoudl strongly consider getting it. Children go through a LOT of milk and juice and other foods. I think it would be wise of you to get the WIC.

I agree. It's no different than insurance. You pay into it and only get the benefits when/if you need them.

[tonyarn]

WIC, to me, is very different than welfare. I would do it.

And some of your experiences with WIC are very different than mine. Waiting in lines?

[loaslaen]

And some of your experiences with WIC are very different than mine. Waiting in lines?

Well, here it's "take a number" and wait for them to call it. It was always a minimum one hour of waiting. I agree that's it's too much hassle and too intrusive also IMO.

[SyLph211]

I have my DD on WIC due to her special formula needs. At 104.00-106.00 per 4 cans for the formula she has to have we were told to get on wic to help cover the burden of cost. We only get 8 cans total each month so we have to still buy the rest. My DS could be on WIC also due to our families income but I have refrained from putting him on. He is almost 3. I can afford a gallon of milk a week and with the way prices have been at local stores I am only spending around 3.00 a week for milk. I feel like there are far more needier kids out there than my 3 year old and just because we qualify doesn't mean he should take up a spot that someone else could use. My WIC area office there is a waiting list a mile long for infants and toddlers to get on the program. I feel that if there is a waiting list you should go ahead and apply and wait for a spot, if there is no waiting list and you guys can afford the 1 year old needs than let someone else get it for awhile. Monies are extremely tight and my local state wic program has cut back on items, removed items entirely and even restructured their program. Good luck with your decision!

[Khaelasmommy08]

I am on WIC and only did it b/c I needed. I have a 12 yr old and I have never asked the goverment for any kind of help at all. In fact the lady at WIC was shocked to know that I never applied for it before...I told her I never had the need to. It would have been rediculous to do that when you are doing well financially!! I am on it right now, but as soon as I no longer need it I will cancel it. If you feel like you needed then do it. I know the a couple of posters said that it was a hassle for them...long lines and other things. My office is by appointment only and the nutrionists are always there. It is a help, but is not enough to make you rich with what you save...so go for it!!

Also, I had lots of problems with WIC and the coupons. Walmart did not take them and when I called the WIC's office to complain they told me that they were suppose to! I gave up and never used the coupons again!!

[MyPriceSavings]

I say DO IT because it will help your family and anything you cannot use donate. Many people don't utilize these programs but will go to pantry's. I know people on it that get way to much milk and cereal and donate and use the eggs and cheese and such and helps everyone. I say anyone that qualifies should use it and do the same. We don't want these programs getting cuts and the government wastes our money other ways....

[MaryMary]

Lets say, we'd come to buy sale items but find empty shelves. Would it make us sad, upset, angry?
Now how about someone who's really in need but would be placed on waiting list only because the funds are gone? It is not like this person can turn around and go to another store to get this sale item..

World is not a fair place, but do to others what you'd like to be done to yourself.

[Serenacoleman2004]

I qualify for WIC...but I don't use it because I do soo well with coupons. There is alot of people that really need this program and then there are the ones that bring the rest of them down (you know what I mean). I say do whatever is best for you and your family.

[momof2inohio]

I voted no. If you really need it then go for it but it looks as though you CAN get by without it. I qualified for WIC when I was pregnant but never got it. Its always there in case you really do need it down the road. I do think its a great program. I had a friend on it and she didnt like to use her vouchers because the cashiers in our local grocery stores werent familiar at all with how WIC works so she was always embarassed because she held up the line and alot of people were rude to her:sad: