By: Laura Johnson
Updated: Dec. 16, 2019
Originally Published: Dec. 16, 2019
In 2014, my partner and I faced the daunting challenge of raising our unexpectedly premature newborn twins while living paycheck to paycheck. Recollecting those early days brings a mix of emotions; they were meant to be joyous, yet we were grappling with job loss, mounting medical expenses, and a sense of desperation that was hard to shake off.
Without the support of my in-laws, who owned a local eatery, we might have faced severe hunger. Our pride kept us from reaching out to family for help, so we masked our struggles, opting instead for bland meals of canned vegetables that we prepared at home. As a first-time mother battling postpartum depression, I noticed my milk supply declining, adding to the stress. Despite my personal struggles, my babies were thriving, thanks to my previous overproduction. Yet, the emotional toll of financial instability was palpable—anger, anxiety, and a constant feeling of hunger loomed over us.
Recognizing that we couldn’t overcome this financial crisis alone, we sought government assistance. Within a day, we received food stamps, and within a week, we were enrolled in the WIC program (Women, Infants, and Children). This program provides essential nutritional support to low-income families, offering food assistance, healthcare referrals, and nutritional education. The benefits we received were life-changing; WIC provided us with a new breast pump, which was crucial since my previous one was malfunctioning. We also had access to a lactation consultant, easing the breastfeeding process, and received a variety of staple foods, including milk, eggs, and yogurt.
Without food stamps, our family would have faced ongoing food insecurity. The stability provided by WIC was vital during our tough times. My husband quickly found a new job, and I began working part-time, which reduced our food stamp benefits significantly. However, WIC continued to support us, increasing our supply of formula as my breastfeeding ended. With twins consuming an expensive formula — sometimes $18 or more a can — WIC’s assistance helped us avoid nearly $550 in monthly expenses, almost equivalent to our rent.
A year later, with WIC’s support, we regained our footing and no longer needed assistance. Unfortunately, many people hold misconceptions about those who rely on such programs, viewing them as lazy or unmotivated. Yet, the real story is far more complex. For many families, affordable childcare is hard to come by, and minimum wage jobs often fail to cover basic living costs. Healthcare expenses add another layer of stress that can be overwhelming, evidenced by the medical bills that many families face.
Times are tough for countless households, and we must abandon harmful stereotypes about those in need if we hope to prevent millions of families from experiencing hunger. WIC is not just a program; it is a vital part of prenatal care, encouraging mothers to seek routine check-ups while decreasing the chances of premature births and ensuring healthy birth weights for their babies. WIC promotes breastfeeding, but for families who need it, the program also provides access to iron-fortified formulas. If a child has allergies, WIC accommodates those needs, ensuring that families receive the appropriate nutrition.
Being a low-income mother does not define one’s parenting abilities. When a mother brings her children to a WIC appointment and makes use of the resources available, she is doing what she can to care for her family. We must remember that everyone deserves compassion, regardless of their financial status.
In conclusion, WIC stands as one of the most effective nutritional programs in the U.S., saving lives and providing essential support to families in need. The impact of such programs cannot be overstated, and they play a crucial role in ensuring that every family has access to proper nutrition.
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