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Please Contact WA WIC!!
Started February 24, 2009 @ 5:31pm by web team
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web team
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Posts: 13 |
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| Read What They Said | March 21, 2009 @ 9:42pm | WIC is a block grant program, which means that the entire state receives a set amount of money to use for WIC foods each year. The way that WIC works is that each state establishes a list of approved foods. Washington is moderately progressive in that fresh fruits and vegetables are allowed and there is a program to encourage WIC purchases at farmer's markets, but essentially the list comes down to cost. This is why many states have forbidden such things as bulk peanut butter, brown eggs or milk in glass jugs. It all comes down to cost issues, and the nutritionists in Washington's WIC program are conscientious people of goodwill. If WIC funds are spent on organic milk at twice the cost, this means that only half as many people will receive milk, as is clearly indicated in their rationale:
"Question: Why are you not approving organic milk?
Answer: The reason is cost. Most organic milk costs over two times more than non-organic milk. When organic milk was approved for Washington WIC eight years ago, it was only slightly more costly. This is no longer true and we cannot afford to approve organic milk.
We heard from over 900 people asking us to keep organic milk approved. Many made statements that organic milk is better - more nutritious and with fewer pesticides, hormones and antibiotics than non-organic milk.
We are aware there are studies that show the benefits of organic food as well as studies which either do not show a benefit, or actually show a negative effect. WIC's primary mission is nutrition education, not research or interpreting data, and so we rely on scientific experts at universities and other organizations to interpret all the studies and provide guidance for food selection. In particular we look to the National Academy of Sciences, Institute of Medicine and the American Academy of Pediatrics. They and other experts do not currently state organic food should be available through WIC programs." |
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| if only cost was the issue | March 22, 2009 @ 1:52pm | As a consumer, I certainly read what they said. I read what was said eight years ago too. I read what is said on both sides of the issue - organic proponents and non-organic proponents too. I also read about "environmentally preferable purchasing" practices and about the power of consumer choice.
Why not allow for the smaller purchase of a higher quality food instead of hiding behind "cost"?
Yes, these people are conscientious and fine people, and no one said otherwise, or implied otherwise. What was said, implied, and implored is that change will only occur if people speak up across the board. The amount of science available and the controversy surrounding food supply is part of the problem with the "cost is the only factor in our decision".
I would imagine that a good look at the nature of the argument would reveal something ludicrous about proposing more mediocre, poor, and possibly poisonous product instead of less, good quality, sustainable, nutritional food.
The problem is not just cost. It's politics too. |
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Last Edit: March 22, 2009 @ 1:59pm by hlehman | |
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web team
Administrator
Posts: 13 |
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| i mean nothing and have no choice | May 14, 2009 @ 10:32pm | On this topic, I know I am not alone.
WIC, cost,inconsequence
~hlehman |
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Last Edit: May 14, 2009 @ 10:37pm by web team | |
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