Sign up for WIC??

[solotime 13]

My wife is from the Philippines and has joined a Facebook Filipino group. Ever since that she has gained so many Filipino friends from that group. And lots of them are pregnant like she currently is right now.  So, some are bragging to others that they're getting free food for their baby by simply just signing up for WIC. Also they're encouraging all other pregnant Filipino's to sign up for it. 

 

When my wife brought this to my attention, I immediately told my wife that WIC is for poor people.  

 

 

The point of this post is to ask you guys for your feedback on this. Are those people doing the wrong thing? Am I correct about what I said? Should we sign up for it?  

 

In the area where I live, we have a very large population of Puerto Rican's and Dominicans. Like 60% of them are on WIC. Now I am not saying they don't deserve it, but I can clearly see that they're more so listed in the "poor" category. They drive old cars from like 1990's to early 2000's and can't afford to travel places. So this is why I am strongly assuming that WIC is for people like that which would classify as poor. Not someone who can travel overseas and then sponsor a person to their country for marriage.  

[Unlockable 7,314]

They may very well be US citizens. And they may very well be poor. 

 

I believe I previously read on here that WIC is for the US child. Hopefully somewhen can respond and confirm or correct me.

 

It is good that you are educating your wife on it. You should educate her a such as possible so she doesn't get the perception that everything is free. Tell how the money for WIC and other social benefits come from our taxes. 

 

The more she learns the better she will appreciate it.

[Villanelle 4,122]

"To be eligible on the basis of income, applicants' gross income (i.e. before taxes are withheld) must fall at or below 185 percent of the U.S. Poverty Income Guidelines." The 864 is 125% of poverty guidelines. So you can meet the income requirements for the 864 and also meet the guidelines for WIC. 

WIC provides supplemental foods, healthcare referrals, nutrition education, and breastfeeding promotion and support to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age five who are found to be at nutritional risk.

 

WIC prescreening tool:
https://wic.fns.usda.gov/wps/pages/start.jsf

[Lemonslice 4,853]

5 hours ago, solotime said:

My wife is from the Philippines and has joined a Facebook Filipino group. Ever since that she has gained so many Filipino friends from that group. And lots of them are pregnant like she currently is right now.  So, some are bragging to others that they're getting free food for their baby by simply just signing up for WIC. Also they're encouraging all other pregnant Filipino's to sign up for it. 

 

When my wife brought this to my attention, I immediately told my wife that WIC is for poor people.  

 

 

The point of this post is to ask you guys for your feedback on this. Are those people doing the wrong thing? Am I correct about what I said? Should we sign up for it?  

 

In the area where I live, we have a very large population of Puerto Rican's and Dominicans. Like 60% of them are on WIC. Now I am not saying they don't deserve it, but I can clearly see that they're more so listed in the "poor" category. They drive old cars from like 1990's to early 2000's and can't afford to travel places. So this is why I am strongly assuming that WIC is for people like that which would classify as poor. Not someone who can travel overseas and then sponsor a person to their country for marriage.  

If you are eligible, I suggest you do sign up for it.  If you have no need for some of their resources, but not other, then use only what is helpful for the child to come and your family.  My husband and myself will never have children, but we are glad that our taxes can help the families who need it.  Best of luck with the pregnancy to you both!

[IcezMan_IcezLady 582]

Beans, milk, cereal, cheese,etc, are the few things you can get with WIC. I used to work in a grocery store, so I know this.

There is nothing luxury about it. If you and your wife qualify and want to get it, sign up. it is for Women Infants and Children.

If you can afford all these things on your own then don't sign up for it. But i won't hate on these who could catch a break with this. You seem to be assuming that they are ripping off the govt.

[Doug&Rhea 10]

If you really need it. And if you are eligible. I think you should try it.  It's not only about the food and vauchers they give.  They are also giving support to pregnant women for good nutrition, give baby the right food. I was on Wic when I was pregnant and the county is very helpful with my pregnancy.  And they make sure that I'm eating the right food for my baby, make sure that my baby is safe, teaching me how to right feeding for my baby, things we need to buy for her,  and encourage me to breastfeed. It's for low income people so you are right that it is for poor, but if your income is eligible I think it's best to apply because it's the program of US government.  

[Randyandyuni 2,682]

it's a benefit you can apply for and if you qualify, you receive it, the agency makes the determination of your eligibility, there is no loss of face or gaming the system involved

[N-o-l-a 7,167]

It depends on your individual need for it.  For example, in our area, you just need to be on medicaid.  Children's medicaid can even go up to family incomes of 85k.  We would qualify for it, but I believe if you can afford something, you shouldn't get it for free from the government.  It is gross to be a leech like that.

[N-o-l-a 7,167]

As an addendum to that:  I got it with my oldest when I was a young single mother.  Besides helping covering formula, everything else is really rubbish unless you are in fact very poor and hungry.  It was like $6/month for fresh fruit and veggies, milk (which we didn't drink), cheap cheese, tuna, beans, juice, and bread that no one in my family would eat.  I don't know if it is worth going every 3 months for the checks unless you really can't afford like an extra $30/month in groceries and you are actually going to eat what they are for.

[Lemonslice 4,853]

48 minutes ago, N-o-l-a said:

As an addendum to that:  I got it with my oldest when I was a young single mother.  Besides helping covering formula, everything else is really rubbish unless you are in fact very poor and hungry.  It was like $6/month for fresh fruit and veggies, milk (which we didn't drink), cheap cheese, tuna, beans, juice, and bread that no one in my family would eat.  I don't know if it is worth going every 3 months for the checks unless you really can't afford like an extra $30/month in groceries and you are actually going to eat what they are for.

Must depends on the state, in MA the selection is much larger and they also get coupons for fresh produces at the farmers markets. 

[N-o-l-a 7,167]

1 minute ago, Lemonslice said:

Must depends on the state, in MA the selection is much larger and they also get coupons for fresh produces at the farmers markets. 

 

Seems to be the same foods - it wasn't anything we really ate besides the fruits/veg.  Like I said, I think if you are really struggling, food is food and you'll eat it.