I am following up to an email I sent to you in regards to re-evaluating WIC food guidelines for Mothes that wish to make their own babyfood. I have not heard anything back for you and would like to know what your thoughts are.
Thank You,
Crystal Altic
I have yet to hear from the USDA on my previous email. I just sent them a follow up email. Let's hope I hear something back in a few days. Or else, Im going to my news station to challenge this.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Friday, December 23, 2011
The Miracle of my Christmas
Merry Christmas everyone!
This holiday season has been a hard one for my family. I wanted to dedicate this post to the people that made Christmas possible for my kids.
I want to thank my parents, Judy and Bill, my Sister, Rachel, my Mother in Law, Pam, my Sister in Law, Heather.
I want to especially thank Good Sam. Without them, we wouldnt have anything under our Christmas tree.
Thank you, Grandma Judy for the food to feed my kids in one of the toughest weeks where we seriously didnt have any lick of food in the house.
Thank you Hoosier Healthcare for at least accepting Macy so Brooke and I could be accepted for Indiana WIC.
Thank you WIC for the food I was able to put into my house for my kids to eat.
I want to thank my kids, especially Alexis, for making this year a little brighter. She is in such good spirits and makes me smile. Last night she was jamming her Christmas music and singing really loudly. Then this morning she was getting ready and Christmas music was jamming from her bedroom again. She's really excited about Chrismas and can't wait to visit her dad and his parents.
This year we couldn't afford to get them much so they got to pick out cards and they color and drew inside them. As long as they show up with something, they are usually pretty happy.
I know there is a God and I want to thank him for having all of these people help us. It has been extremely tough since going down to part time and working 2 jobs to try and make ends meet.
This holiday season has been a hard one for my family. I wanted to dedicate this post to the people that made Christmas possible for my kids.
I want to thank my parents, Judy and Bill, my Sister, Rachel, my Mother in Law, Pam, my Sister in Law, Heather.
I want to especially thank Good Sam. Without them, we wouldnt have anything under our Christmas tree.
Thank you, Grandma Judy for the food to feed my kids in one of the toughest weeks where we seriously didnt have any lick of food in the house.
Thank you Hoosier Healthcare for at least accepting Macy so Brooke and I could be accepted for Indiana WIC.
Thank you WIC for the food I was able to put into my house for my kids to eat.
I want to thank my kids, especially Alexis, for making this year a little brighter. She is in such good spirits and makes me smile. Last night she was jamming her Christmas music and singing really loudly. Then this morning she was getting ready and Christmas music was jamming from her bedroom again. She's really excited about Chrismas and can't wait to visit her dad and his parents.
This year we couldn't afford to get them much so they got to pick out cards and they color and drew inside them. As long as they show up with something, they are usually pretty happy.
I know there is a God and I want to thank him for having all of these people help us. It has been extremely tough since going down to part time and working 2 jobs to try and make ends meet.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
And the letter was written...
To Whom It May Concern;
I am writing with the intention to get WIC approved food packages re-evaluated. I understand all guidelines are set and regulated by the USDA. As a Mother of four children and an active participant of WIC (as of Dec, 11 and previous years spratically) I would like to express my concerns in hopes you would make an effort to understand and approve my changes requested.
I understand that here in Indiana, once an exclusively breastfed baby turns the age of six months that the WIC program then allowes jar food of certain amounts, flavors and such. This is obviously a good thing for most and probably the most understand way to feed an infant as most of society has not been educated further.
I would like to purpose that the USDA add an option to select more age appropriate fresh fruits and veggies for families who wish to make thier own baby food starting as young as four month instead of one year. I understand that this may raise an eye brow to some and you may ask why, how this is going to work, how this is going to be cost effective to the USDA and probably many other questions.
Let me explain my case. Allowing and giving the option to pick fresh fruits and veggies over jar food, or even limit the amount of jar food and mix in some fresh fruits and veggies will be cost effective to the USDA. Did you know that you can mix and mash 1 banana and 1 avacado for 1 meal and it last frozen for 1 month and fills enough spots in an ice cube tray for 6 feedings at least? This is less then .49 cents a pound for bananas and depending on the avacado about $1.50.
Infants are allowed certain foods at certain ages so I assume the next question is how do you think it's going to work. On your coupons, you may specify the veggie or fruit allowed at the time with the age of the child. this couldn't be any more difficult then figuring the difference of the amount of baby jar food you want to eliminate and substitute a few fresh items on the coupon instead or replace them off.
The most important reason I am offering this to you is the reason why. Food awareness is one. Parents know exactly what they are feeding their infants, more appropriate bonding time in food preparation and feeding. Creativity in the abundance of varities you would be able to make and mix and match together and offer and let your infant try. The cost effectiveness, the organic way.
I understand most individuals do not know about or how to make thier own baby food but it is as easy as cooking a small meal for the rest of your family and most of the things you are making you can make for your family. Everyone is eatting healthier and the infant is involved in the family meals.
In conclusion, I would like you to reconsider the opportunity to allow women to make the educated choice on picking fresh fruits and veggies instead of jar food when the age appropriate time is right. I argue that this is most cost effective for everyone involved and this is the healthest way next to breast feeding.
I urge you to research the pros and cons of making your own baby food, do the math and research and add fresh fruits and veggies to the program for infants and mothers to try to make their own baby food. Educating and allowing individuals to make these choices makes for a healthier and happier life for everyone involved.
Thank you for your time,
Crystal M. Altic
______________________________________________________________
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Wright, Bethann <Bawright@isdh.in.gov>
Date: Tue, Dec 20, 2011 at 12:56 PM
Subject: Questions on approved foods
To: crystal.crawford1@gmail.com
Hello,
I was forwarded your e-mail for response, and we appreciate you contacting us. As an overview, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) sets the guidelines for all of the WIC approved food packages and subsequent food check issuance. Currently, when an infant turns six months of age, Indiana WIC provides WIC food checks for the purchase of jarred baby fruits and jarred baby vegetables. In addition, checks are provided for the purchase of 24 oz. of infant cereal. Also, for fully breastfed infants only, they receive checks to purchase jarred baby meats. As you have seen with your four year old, when your infant turns one year of age, and is eligible for WIC services, their monthly food package will include six dollars worth of cash value vouchers for the purchase of fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables. I hope this is helpful. Please contact me if you have further questions.
Thank you.
Bethann K. Wright, RD, CD
WIC Program (8B-30)
Indiana State Department of Health
2 N. Meridian Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204-3006
PH: 317-233-5595 or 1-800-522-0874
FAX: 317-233-5609
Bawright@isdh.in.gov
____________________________________________
From: Crystal Atlci [mailto:crystal.crawford1@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, December 19, 2011 3:05 PM
To: ISDH Indiana Women Infants and Children Program
Subject: Questions on approved foods
To Whom If May Concern:
I am curious as to your approved list of food provided on your website. You have listed jar food for infants 6 months of age who are exclusively breastfed. I was wondering, with the families who wish to make thier own baby food, if they are allowed to deny the jar food and request more fruits, veggies and rice instead. My 3 month old and 4 yr old have a WIC appointment tomorrow, in Hamilton. County and I obviously want the best for my children as does any Mother.
Thank you for the information,
Crystal M. Altic
I am writing with the intention to get WIC approved food packages re-evaluated. I understand all guidelines are set and regulated by the USDA. As a Mother of four children and an active participant of WIC (as of Dec, 11 and previous years spratically) I would like to express my concerns in hopes you would make an effort to understand and approve my changes requested.
I understand that here in Indiana, once an exclusively breastfed baby turns the age of six months that the WIC program then allowes jar food of certain amounts, flavors and such. This is obviously a good thing for most and probably the most understand way to feed an infant as most of society has not been educated further.
I would like to purpose that the USDA add an option to select more age appropriate fresh fruits and veggies for families who wish to make thier own baby food starting as young as four month instead of one year. I understand that this may raise an eye brow to some and you may ask why, how this is going to work, how this is going to be cost effective to the USDA and probably many other questions.
Let me explain my case. Allowing and giving the option to pick fresh fruits and veggies over jar food, or even limit the amount of jar food and mix in some fresh fruits and veggies will be cost effective to the USDA. Did you know that you can mix and mash 1 banana and 1 avacado for 1 meal and it last frozen for 1 month and fills enough spots in an ice cube tray for 6 feedings at least? This is less then .49 cents a pound for bananas and depending on the avacado about $1.50.
Infants are allowed certain foods at certain ages so I assume the next question is how do you think it's going to work. On your coupons, you may specify the veggie or fruit allowed at the time with the age of the child. this couldn't be any more difficult then figuring the difference of the amount of baby jar food you want to eliminate and substitute a few fresh items on the coupon instead or replace them off.
The most important reason I am offering this to you is the reason why. Food awareness is one. Parents know exactly what they are feeding their infants, more appropriate bonding time in food preparation and feeding. Creativity in the abundance of varities you would be able to make and mix and match together and offer and let your infant try. The cost effectiveness, the organic way.
I understand most individuals do not know about or how to make thier own baby food but it is as easy as cooking a small meal for the rest of your family and most of the things you are making you can make for your family. Everyone is eatting healthier and the infant is involved in the family meals.
In conclusion, I would like you to reconsider the opportunity to allow women to make the educated choice on picking fresh fruits and veggies instead of jar food when the age appropriate time is right. I argue that this is most cost effective for everyone involved and this is the healthest way next to breast feeding.
I urge you to research the pros and cons of making your own baby food, do the math and research and add fresh fruits and veggies to the program for infants and mothers to try to make their own baby food. Educating and allowing individuals to make these choices makes for a healthier and happier life for everyone involved.
Thank you for your time,
Crystal M. Altic
______________________________________________________________
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Wright, Bethann <Bawright@isdh.in.gov>
Date: Tue, Dec 20, 2011 at 12:56 PM
Subject: Questions on approved foods
To: crystal.crawford1@gmail.com
Hello,
I was forwarded your e-mail for response, and we appreciate you contacting us. As an overview, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) sets the guidelines for all of the WIC approved food packages and subsequent food check issuance. Currently, when an infant turns six months of age, Indiana WIC provides WIC food checks for the purchase of jarred baby fruits and jarred baby vegetables. In addition, checks are provided for the purchase of 24 oz. of infant cereal. Also, for fully breastfed infants only, they receive checks to purchase jarred baby meats. As you have seen with your four year old, when your infant turns one year of age, and is eligible for WIC services, their monthly food package will include six dollars worth of cash value vouchers for the purchase of fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables. I hope this is helpful. Please contact me if you have further questions.
Thank you.
Bethann K. Wright, RD, CD
WIC Program (8B-30)
Indiana State Department of Health
2 N. Meridian Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204-3006
PH: 317-233-5595 or 1-800-522-0874
FAX: 317-233-5609
Bawright@isdh.in.gov
____________________________________________
From: Crystal Atlci [mailto:crystal.crawford1@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, December 19, 2011 3:05 PM
To: ISDH Indiana Women Infants and Children Program
Subject: Questions on approved foods
To Whom If May Concern:
I am curious as to your approved list of food provided on your website. You have listed jar food for infants 6 months of age who are exclusively breastfed. I was wondering, with the families who wish to make thier own baby food, if they are allowed to deny the jar food and request more fruits, veggies and rice instead. My 3 month old and 4 yr old have a WIC appointment tomorrow, in Hamilton. County and I obviously want the best for my children as does any Mother.
Thank you for the information,
Crystal M. Altic
It's hard to argue with the government. Remember, they run the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, so they must know a thing or two about satisfying women.
Im on a mission. That's right, with all the spare time that I have I'm going to change a Government program. I'm not sure what you receive State by State in the WIC program but here in Indiana I have a concern.
Let me start by saying, I plan on making my Daughter's own baby food. I truely hope by the time she is eatting food a lot that we will be back on our feet and be able to provide for our family like years past.
In the Indiana WIC program it offers multiple amounts of jarred baby food depending on when you are starting solids. For a Women like me, exclusively breastfeeding, I will be offered the jar food when Macy is six months of age.
The issue I am having is I don't want my Daughter to eat jar food. Now, I have nothing against jar food and have used it in the past on my other children and they turned out fine. This time around, I'm doing things differently. I'm not following any rules or books with my Daughter.
I emailed personnel on the availability to switch jar food to fresh fruits and veggies and I was denied that request. I think if more people were educated on making thier own baby food and given that choice they would be willing to atleast try the procedure.
Making your own baby food is just as easy as cooking a meal for your family. You may make a bunch and freeze the left overs for up to one month. You may use ice cube trays to freeze into 2 ounce or 4 ounce feedings, unfreeze in the microwave and serve to your infant.
The pros and cons of this would be cost effective. A parent would be more in tune with what is going into their child's mouths and I think this is great bonding time in prepping the food and having a hand in making it. The downside is it takes up freezer space, doesn't travel well and you need equipment to make the food. Such as a steamer, food processor, blender...etc etc. Which some of these items may get expensive.
In conclusion, I plan to, in the weeks ahead try to pursuade the Indiana Government to at least offer some new items on the WIC coupons and educate women in making thier own baby food as much as they offer and encourage breast feeding.
If you are willing to stand behind me, please comment below. Thank you in advance for all of your support.
Let me start by saying, I plan on making my Daughter's own baby food. I truely hope by the time she is eatting food a lot that we will be back on our feet and be able to provide for our family like years past.
In the Indiana WIC program it offers multiple amounts of jarred baby food depending on when you are starting solids. For a Women like me, exclusively breastfeeding, I will be offered the jar food when Macy is six months of age.
The issue I am having is I don't want my Daughter to eat jar food. Now, I have nothing against jar food and have used it in the past on my other children and they turned out fine. This time around, I'm doing things differently. I'm not following any rules or books with my Daughter.
I emailed personnel on the availability to switch jar food to fresh fruits and veggies and I was denied that request. I think if more people were educated on making thier own baby food and given that choice they would be willing to atleast try the procedure.
Making your own baby food is just as easy as cooking a meal for your family. You may make a bunch and freeze the left overs for up to one month. You may use ice cube trays to freeze into 2 ounce or 4 ounce feedings, unfreeze in the microwave and serve to your infant.
The pros and cons of this would be cost effective. A parent would be more in tune with what is going into their child's mouths and I think this is great bonding time in prepping the food and having a hand in making it. The downside is it takes up freezer space, doesn't travel well and you need equipment to make the food. Such as a steamer, food processor, blender...etc etc. Which some of these items may get expensive.
In conclusion, I plan to, in the weeks ahead try to pursuade the Indiana Government to at least offer some new items on the WIC coupons and educate women in making thier own baby food as much as they offer and encourage breast feeding.
If you are willing to stand behind me, please comment below. Thank you in advance for all of your support.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Every time I think about exercise, I lie down til the thought goes away
I'm getting fat. Now wait, before you go off on your soap box let me finish mine! Yes, Ive had three children. I do only weigh somewhere in the very, very low 100's. But my abs. They are pretty much gone and have been since last October. That is when I lost my last baby. Food has become my friend when I am bored, tired, lazy, hungry and every other emotion I can think of. I crave sweets and chocolate and nasty junk food more then anything anymore. I like to make myself feel better and say "I crave these things because I am breastfeeding exclusively and I need these fatty items because she is sucking me dry of all my nutrients." This sometimes works. :)
My hot, sexy, once very skinny Husband has the same tire growing around his waist line too. When he goes to the gas station he will ask me what I want and I always reply "chocolate milk". It's my weakness. He will usually grab a snack while he is there too.
The children are all very lean and in good health. Miss Macy is a chucky little girl but so dang cute!
I need a way to fit exercise into my daily routine without literally MAKING myself do it. I'd much rather sit on Facebook or watch Dr. Phil.
My hot, sexy, once very skinny Husband has the same tire growing around his waist line too. When he goes to the gas station he will ask me what I want and I always reply "chocolate milk". It's my weakness. He will usually grab a snack while he is there too.
The children are all very lean and in good health. Miss Macy is a chucky little girl but so dang cute!
I need a way to fit exercise into my daily routine without literally MAKING myself do it. I'd much rather sit on Facebook or watch Dr. Phil.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional
This applies to my Husband. Now, don't take me the wrong way. I love my Husband more deeply then I could ever explain but he is such a kid. Okay. Well, maybe not in his entire life. But he is a huge gamer. He plays videos games and farts more then anyone I know!
Let's take last night as an example. Now, Im not here to complain. Just simply point out the facts. I am a woman so, of course, I am always right. ;)
He worked from 7-330pm. Came home, played video games. Went back to work at 7pm-1200am. Came home, played MORE video games to about 2am. Then slept past noon, like a teenager.
Now, once again. I love my Husband..but babe..it's time to stop all the gaming and pay more attention to me! :)
Let's take last night as an example. Now, Im not here to complain. Just simply point out the facts. I am a woman so, of course, I am always right. ;)
He worked from 7-330pm. Came home, played video games. Went back to work at 7pm-1200am. Came home, played MORE video games to about 2am. Then slept past noon, like a teenager.
Now, once again. I love my Husband..but babe..it's time to stop all the gaming and pay more attention to me! :)
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Forget the health food, I need all the preservatives I can get!
Or, well, Macy does.
We did the 4 month well visit today. He asked me what my plans were on food and such since it's ok to start food by 4 months. I told him I was going to wait until her tounge thrust went away in order to start food. He told me that was fine but wanted me to start vitamin d drops since she is completely breastfed.
So, after 3 shots and a trip over to wal-mart I checked out the price of these so called vitamin d drops. $8.00!! I know that doesnt seem like a lot to most but when you are BROKE, $8.00 is just enough gas to get me to and from work for one day!
OH and let me tell you this, the office knows Im an exclusively breastfed mother so what do they hand me as I leave the office? A welcome packet for Enfamil with vitamin drops. Ok, well, thanks for the free formula that is going to go to waste and the free drops that I dont have to pay for now. :)
I figure Ill just drink lots of vitamin d milk till she's ready for food. My boobie milk is better for her then any artificial boob juice.
On another note, Macy got approved for medicade so she and Brooke are going with me to apply for WIC on Tuesday. Im so damn excited to finally get some help! Hopefully we can save our home now too. Which I will write another entry on sometime in the future once we know what is going on.
Have a great Wednesday!
We did the 4 month well visit today. He asked me what my plans were on food and such since it's ok to start food by 4 months. I told him I was going to wait until her tounge thrust went away in order to start food. He told me that was fine but wanted me to start vitamin d drops since she is completely breastfed.
So, after 3 shots and a trip over to wal-mart I checked out the price of these so called vitamin d drops. $8.00!! I know that doesnt seem like a lot to most but when you are BROKE, $8.00 is just enough gas to get me to and from work for one day!
OH and let me tell you this, the office knows Im an exclusively breastfed mother so what do they hand me as I leave the office? A welcome packet for Enfamil with vitamin drops. Ok, well, thanks for the free formula that is going to go to waste and the free drops that I dont have to pay for now. :)
I figure Ill just drink lots of vitamin d milk till she's ready for food. My boobie milk is better for her then any artificial boob juice.
On another note, Macy got approved for medicade so she and Brooke are going with me to apply for WIC on Tuesday. Im so damn excited to finally get some help! Hopefully we can save our home now too. Which I will write another entry on sometime in the future once we know what is going on.
Have a great Wednesday!
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