So, I’m a new parent on WiC, and when I was first weighed post birth, I was given a speech about how “Oh, you should breastfeed, not just because it’s best for your baby, it’s a great way to help lose weight postpartum.” They also asked if I’d like to take a class on health and nutrition for my little one and I, to make sure we both “Start and stay healthy”.

So far as the food they allow postpartum?

They only provide low fat or skim milk (7 gallons a month. For one person. What. Even.), wheat bread or wheat tortillas, pre-approved cereals (all low sugar and fat content), 1 lb dry beans (or 60 oz canned), $10 in fruits and veggies once a month (no sugar or anything else allowed in those. It’s either plain or you go without), 3 64 oz bottles of juice, or 3 12 oz cans of concentrate, and 1 dozen eggs. That’s it. Per month.

If you breastfeed, then you get cheese and canned chunk light tuna or canned pink salmon. If you don’t, then they cover formula (which I’m grateful for, don’t get me wrong).

Now, my parents took me in after my ex threw me out and I found out I was pregnant. They’re able to help me, and make sure that I’ve got enough to eat, make sure I’m able to take care of Logan while I look for a job (economy sucks here).

But, for a lot of new parents, this is all they’ve got for food. They make too much to qualify for food stamps (even though they could use them, as per state financial guidelines, they won’t get them), and there is NO WAY a person can live on that for a month on a minimum wage job.

So yeah, WiC is definitely more concerned with concern trolling than the actual health of WiC recipients.