When I lost my job, we figured out our budget using unemployment as part of our pay. Due to that, we used quite a bit of my severance to pay off all of our debt. Since then, we found out, too late, that I don't qualify for unemployment until the end of our severance period. Everyone told me I could get it, so I really booked on using it. I still have a chunk of my severance pay, but its a lot less than I need. Ugh.
So I swallowed my pride and went down to the WIC office to apply. For a family of five, we are well in the qualification limits. Both Karl and Allison are covered. Getting help with formula, baby food, fruits, veggies, cheese, bread and cereal is really going to help. We're going to have to tighten our belts big time right now and I can genuinely say I need help financially. I shouldn't be on it longer than 3 months, but I'm going to take what I can get.
Has anyone else out there gone down for WIC? They really grilled me in questioning how I was feeding my children! Yet after all the questions, she complimented me and said I was doing everything right.
What a lifestyle change for me. I went from buying $500 handbags whenever I wanted to applying for WIC. Being jobless sucks.
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We're on it right now. With Shayne and I both unemployed it's a necessity here for sure too. It's pretty inconvenient to use, but it helps a lot. They do grill you pretty much every time you go in, but I always get praise for what I'm doing too so it's not too bad in the end.
We've had friends that were on WIC and said that they really make sure you're kids are eating properly, which is good.
We've been on WIC since I think June and it was rough. We're certified until December and after that we'll probably not sign up again. Next month Idaho finally switches to the new requirements and we'll get bread and baby food for the first time and the fruits too.
I was told Sam was too small and Aidan was fat at my first appointment even though they eat very healthy. Every time I go I get flak for choices I make but I don't really care. I understand that they have to deal with people that feed their children crap but seriously, obviously I have it together as far as my kids go.
Having the help with formula has been so great considering how much Sam eats.
We're on it- she starts getting 'her' food next month, so that's good. I didn't get grilled so much as just asked a bunch of times about breastfeeding. The offices by me are super-pro breastfeeding and you get enhanced food packages for yourself & the kids if you do. I get more hassle when I go to use the checks actually as they change frequently & it takes a while for the cashiers to figure out what's allowed & what isn't. And if the store is out of the exact item on the check you have to scrap the whole thing & get it another day or somewhere else.
Despite that- it really does help. They seem to really care what the kids eat & I'm so glad they have finally added grains, fruits & the baby foods to mine.
I haven't been on it, but I think I've had more friends who have been on it than not. Hang in there. At least your debt got paid off and that's a very good thing.
WIC is there for people who need it, & i can't see anything wrong in getting help with the food your kids need. we haven't been on it before, but if N gets laid off this month, we'll be applying for sure...
I totally hear you. Tomorrow is my last day at work. Lifestyle change is here. I haven't been on it but who knows what will happen in the next few months...
Nancy, I think taking the help that is out there makes you a good mom. My sister and her husband have 3 children (under age 6), and she is pg again. Last year she and her husband, who are both college graduates, lost their jobs and they had to go on WIC too. I know it was hard for them to do, but they had to take care of their kids. Luckily, they both have jobs again.
We were on it for a while. It totally SUCKED having to get it but boy did it help out. One bit of advice, always buy everything they allow you to get. The juice will pile up but it is totally worth having the stockpile.
WIC is designed for people in your situation--people who lose their jobs or have other unfortunate circumstances in life. Take advantage and don't feel bad! *hugs*
Pride takes a backseat to doing what's right for your family. I'm proud of you for realizing what's important.
But, I hope you find a good job soon!
I'm sure you've paid plenty in taxes over the years so getting help via WIC is just getting a bit of a refund when you desperately need it.
Applying for WIC is not wrong when you just need a little help. I was on it with both of my kids it helped especially with formula. I got off it when the kids got older and I was on my feet finacially. So there is no need to be ashamed.
Good for you Nancy, I'm glad that you were able to suck in your pride. Some can't. Speaking of, how is the job search going?
We all do what we have to do! WIC is there for this reason...use it...it will help!
I'm so glad that things like WIC are available. We're not on it, but I know people that are, and I know my mother had us on it for a period of time when I was small.
That is great. Seems like a lot more people are having to go that route these days.
Another suggestion is Angel Food Ministries....you can get $60 of food for $30 !
angelfoodministries.com
I was on it during my first pgy 5 years ago and I had to go through a gauntlet of questions! Ugh!
It really helped a lot though and it's there for using. :)
Hi Nancy, thanks for your nice post back to me. -- anyway- WIC is great. I was on it when I was a single mom 15 years ago, and what a help!- hopefully they will treat you with the respect you deserve. oh, and by the way, I LOVE the Gianni Bini shoes, we don't have Dilliards where I live, but I may have to copy you and order a pair online.- I'm a 7, but I sometime need a 7 wide- how do they seem to fit? have a great day
Nita
Nita,
They fit like a dream. I tried it on with fishnests and the socks I have and my foot stil fit in them. I would think they would fit you you just fine!
You know, you do what you have to do. Don't feel bad, that's why it's there.
I'm not on WIC, but this post made me wonder if I should be. We get food assistance and it helps a lot. I still have some embarrassment when I use the card, but I'm trying to get past it. I think it's made me see that we're trying our best, but just not quite doing well enough on one salary right now.
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