I hope that I can clear up some of the misunderstandings about WIC in the US.
 WIC is the federal program that serves low income mothers, infants and
children.  It was started in 1972 in response to some research that was done
by USDA on children entering school as kindergarteners.  Low income children
were found to be anemic at a higher rate than children from moderate income
homes.  It was felt that these children had a greater incidence of missed
days of school and learning difficulties because of this prevelant anemia.
The research showed that this problem started with pregnant women who had low
iron counts.  The program was started to combat the anemia found in this
population group.  Foods on the program must meet criteria for iron, vitamin
C, calcium and not exceed a certain level of sugar.  Senator Bob Dole was one
of the original authors of the bill that paved the way for the WIC program.

25 years later we do see a different program.  The legislation that "runs"
the program is quite unspecific in many ways.  Each state or territory or
Indian Tribal Organization that acts as a "State Agency" has x number of
dollars to provide WIC to it's population.  These dollars are split into
"food" dollars and "administrative" dollars.  The State determines where this
money will go in most instances. You can spend admin dollars on food but you
can't spend food dollars on admin.  There are few "rules" about the admin
dollars.  This is why you see such different programs for breastfeeding in
different states.  One state may use all it's breastfeeding dollars (figured
by a certain dollar amount per prenatal and bfing women on the program) for
breastfeeding promotion and another state may figure that it's staff spends
30% of it's time promoting breastfeeding so it spends it's breastfeeding
dollars on 30% of the staff salaries.  Other states may have a mixture of
these two options.  The reauthorization bill does NOT specify how those
allocated breastfeeding dollars must be spent.  Please contact your
representatives to get this specified....that would help everyone!

In order to qualify for WIC you must live in the state that you will receive
the WIC benefits, must be pregnant, breastfeeding or in some states in the 6
months after delivery, or be a child or infant under the age of five, you
must live in a household that has an income under 180% of poverty, and you
must have a nutritional need that is determined by a certifying professional.
 They are usually nutritionists or nurses.  In order to get your benefits you
must receive nutrition education.  This program is a nutrition education
program.  If nutrition education is not offered you should contact your WIC
agency and find out why.

There is a tremendous effort on the part of most WIC programs to educate all
prenatels about breastfeeding.  My daughter, who had a baby recently, did not
EVER hear about breastfeeding from her doctors office while she was pregnant.
 The WIC population in most places hear LOTS about breastfeeding in the
prenatal period.  These women still go HOME and hear all the garbage about
breastfeeding that is out there on the street!  Yes, there are states that do
less than most to promote breastfeeding.  There are WIC Directors who do not
"believe" in this part of their mission.  There are states who use all their
funds for salaries so do not do any but token breastfeeding promotion.  But
there are many states and local agencies that have done fabulous work in
breastfeeding.  USDA has committed to breastfeeding education by awarding
grants to Best Start and to state and local programs for breastfeeding
promotion and support.  This is ongoing support, not just a flash in the pan.


We do our sisters in the public health forum a disservice by making broad
statements on WIC nationally when most see only a local program and it's
treatment of support.  I have been working with WIC for 12 years now, 10 in a
state program and the last 2 as a consultant to WIC programs nationally.
There are WIC agencies who have over 80% breastfeeding initiation in their
programs and well over the national average at 6 months.  These programs have
helplines, peer counselors, lactation consultants on staff, breastfeeding
classes, nutrition classes, parenting classes, referral services for
immunizations and other health needs...the list is endless.  The majority of
WIC staff are caring, well-trained professionals who are not making their
first million doing this work.  It is trying work, depressing on most days
and yet they continue to work to improve the health of their clients.

Please give them help, not tear them down-call your local WIC agency and ask
how they determine what they offer, and ask why things are done the way they
are.  You can be a positive force in the solution to this problem if you find
the answers to your questions from the original source.

Sorry this got so long...WIC is both a passion and a job for me

Linda Inglis, BS, IBCLC
Best Start Social Marketing
Tampa, FL

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