Dear Lactnet Friends:

Right Lissa; we are saying the same thing and quibbling a bit over the
terminology.

 " The WIC program receives a rebate....This allows the WIC program to
serve more families" because the money from the rebate goes to provide WIC
services.  In other words, the more formula WIC distributes, the more
services WIC can provide.

It was a WIC director to whom I directed my question, once I understood the
mechanism.  I asked "Isn't that a kickback?" and she replied, "Yes."

If WIC's breastfeeding programs were truly supported by our government,
such "rebates/kickbacks"  would disappear. As it stands now, the US
Government is the world's leading purchaser of breastmilk substitutes, and
the WIC program has been identified as a barrier to breastfeeding since the
GAO report of 2003.

WIC didn't start out that way. In the 1990s, WIC was single-handedly
responsible for the increase in US breastfeeding rates. All things can be
corrupted unless we are vigilant. Like brushing our teeth, we have to do it
every day; doing a great job brushing on Sunday still means having to do it
on Monday.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++



> Date:    Tue, 6 Mar 2012 08:02:35 -0500
> From:    Lissa S <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: Re: kickbacks
>
> I don't think it is fair to call them kickbacks in the WIC program. The
> WIC Program receives a rebate on every can purchased, after paying retail
> price to the store. Every company has an equal opportunity to bid on the
> contract. It then goes to the lowest bidder. This allows the WIC program to
> serve more famlies. If WIC had to pay retail price for every can without a
> rebate, it would not be able to serve probably half the families it does
> not. And many states also get reduced prices for breastfeeding pumps and
> supplies too.
>
>             ***********************************************
>

warmly,
Nikki Lee RN, BSN, Mother of 2, MS, IBCLC, CCE, CIMI, ANLC, CKC
craniosacral therapy practitioner
www.breastfeedingalwaysbest.com

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