Most of us probably don’t pay a lot of attention when we go to the grocery store, so we probably are unaware that many WIC eligible food items are stocked on our grocery shelves.
While in any scenario, this is important that we pay attention and take care to avoid these items, given the current global climate, this is more important than ever. See, with all the panic-buying that is happening, it is so crucial that we leave the WIC eligible items alone for the less fortunate members of our community.
You see, while you may be fortunate enough to not have to worry about labels, those who must rely on social programs such as WIC – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women Infants & Children – can only use their benefits on certain items, brands, and products. Therefore, if their WIC eligible goods are being bought up, they will be unable to use the benefits that they’ve been afforded and so desperately need.
Like I said, while you may be in a fortunate position to grab anything you want off the shelf without having to worry if you can afford it, there are others who aren’t as lucky. So, if you’re out picking up groceries in the store and you happen to grab something with a “WIC” sign on it, please consider grabbing a different brand if possible, or if there is nothing else available, don’t take more than you absolutely need – you could be making a huge difference in the life of a mother or child who is part of the WIC program.
Life is currently scary and a tad uncertain, but that is why it’s so important that we come together as a community to take care of one another. Don’t panic buy, don’t leave people without options, just be kind and respectful.