For those interested in the history of WIC and have internet access:
http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/MENU/NEW/WICHistory.pdf

I briefly scanned it this morning and thought it interesting.  The government
since the Depression used various ways to get surpluses from farmers to those
in poverty.  It didn't always work well.  During the late 60's and 70's
Kennedy brought attention to the poverty and malnutrition in this country.
Hubert Humphrey and someone else hammered out legislation that got WIC
started. St. Jude's Hospital sent picture's of children suffering from
malnutrition(brains not developed fully).  I remember Kennedy and the
discussions that the US actually had people who were going to bed hungry.
Malnutrition hits hardest on children(effecting their potential intelligence)
and malnutrition certainly is a real risk factor in pregnancy.   In the 60's
I think we had such amazing economic growth that it was hard to believe that
hunger existed(still exists).  WIC was a way to help the farmers get rid of
their surpluses(similiar to the school lunch program)while "resolving" the
problem of malnutrition in those high risk groups--pregnant mothers,
postpartum mothers, infants and children.

Poverty, hunger is a hidden aspect in our country.  When I worked for WIC and
was doing home visits I saw things in my community that I will never forget.
I can't drive in certain areas without now realizing that we all don't live
with food in the refrigerator or for that fact having a refrigerator.
Mothers doing laundry in the kitchen sink.  Families with no
furniture(although there always seemed to be a TV--rented by those
rent-to-own rip-off companies that are always located near areas of poverty).
Working at WIC opened my eyes.  I feel very humbled by the experience.
Valerie W. McClain,  IBCLC

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