Back in December, there was some discussion of an inappropriate WIC ad,
showing a woman in a business suit at a computer, giving a bottle to a
baby. This was truly an unfortunate way to advertise the WIC Program,
but I think I know what the state WIC directors were thinking when they
authorized that ad. WIC has an image problem--a lot of people think it
is only for unemployed women or for people on public aid. Consequently,
a lot of working people don't consider the fact that they may be
eligible for WIC services. Even parents who enroll in WIC are not proud
to participate because they think of it as some nasty, welfare, giveaway
program. I'm a dietitian who works for the WIC Program in suburban Cook
County, Illinois. I can't tell you how many women walk into my office
feeling defensive and shame-faced, telling me, "You know, I DO work for
a living."  This is no surprise to me! The majority of families enrolled
in our WIC program have at least one parent who is employed.
        I am going to post the national WIC income guidelines on lactnet,
because I'd like to encourage more breastfeeding parents to enroll in
WIC. A lot of women who breastfeed also make the difficult decision to
stay at home with their babies for a year or more and they could really
use some help with their grocery bills. But many eligible mothers who
breastfeed also stay away from WIC in droves because 1) they may think
of WIC mainly as an ABM distributor and/or 2) they may think WIC
participation will stigmatize them as "welfare moms."  It would be great
if we could encourage more successful breastfeeding moms to visit WIC
clinics, because actually seeing other mothers breastfeed is the best
encouragemnet in the world for pregnant women who are "on the fence"
about whether to breastfeed.
        I urge all health professionals to tell parents that WIC is NOT a
welfare program. We NEVER WERE a welfare program. We are a public health
nutrition program and a source of parent-to-parent support! Look for
"WIC Income Guidelines" on lactnet. ---Mary Krisco, MS, RD