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