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By now everyone should know about the chaos happening in the stores as people are buying things from milk to beef to toilet paper as they prepare for their stay at home from the coronavirus outbreak. And although people shouldn’t be hoarding up excess materials, the state volunteer group, Suit Up Maine has been sharing an important tip to be aware of and to keep in mind when buying products.
They are advising people to avoid purchasing items labeled WIC.
When stocking up for #SocialDistancing, if an item has a WIC symbol beside the price, get something else. People who use WIC to feed their kids can't switch to another brand or kind of food. If a store runs out of WIC-approved options, they will go home empty-handed.#mepolitics pic.twitter.com/oFRts6Rcbc
— Suit Up Maine (@SuitUpMaine) March 16, 2020
WIC refers to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children which is a federal program that helps low-income women, toddlers or children under the age of 5. The issue comes up when non-WIC recipients buy all of the WIC-labeled items, so people who do use WIC to feed their families are unable to do so. If there are no WIC-approved options left, then WIC recipients might be unable to buy anything at all.
Foods included in the WIC program are staples like milk, eggs, infant cereal, and canned goods. The message from Suit Up Maine has been taken across social media and picked up by various celebrities.
When stocking up for #SocialDistancing…If you see something labeled “WIC” please chose another brand. People who rely on WIC products to feed their kids cannot. We’re all in this together 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/3OwhR650m4
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) March 16, 2020
Suit Up Maine did also clarify that states that request waivers that allow for WIC item substitutions. But to make it easier for these WIC-dependent families, be aware of the labels when your shopping and stocking up on supplies.
To clarify: Each state must request a waiver from the USDA that allows for WIC-approved items to be substituted if stores are out of the approved brands/sizes.
Please contact your members of Congress and/or state legislators/DHHS ASAP and ask them to request a waiver!
— Suit Up Maine (@SuitUpMaine) March 16, 2020
