I'm so sick of people saying that using WIC is their tax dollars, what about you?

Question

Okay, first off, I am a working mother-to-be as well as my husband, and I am quite frankly sick and tired of hearing people tell me that me using WIC is using their tax dollars. We pay taxes too you know and it's not like we're just out there looking for a free handout, we have some financial problems and WIC helps me to eat healthier for my child since the foods they offer are generally the most expensive things to buy on your own (a pack of cheese here costs around $5.00).

So why do people feel like they have a right to judge just because we are a little hard for cash? Who says it's THEIR tax dollars that is paying for it? I'm so sick of hearing this, anyone else?

Answer 1

Some people are just incredibly ignorant and rude.Wic is there to help lower income families with a few of the basics.I would NEVER judge anyone who has to take state help.Everyone has to have some help sometimes.As for ScarY Stegasaurus-You are sadly misinformed.Your tax dollars aren't paying for anything for this woman.Hers are.She just said that herself.As long as someone pays taxes and isn't abusing the system-they aren't using your tax dollars,they are using theirs.As long as they pay taxes,they have every right to these programs.And yes I did give you thumbs down because you are just rude.

Answer 2

I know exaaaaactly what you mean. I just asked a question in the pregnancy section that had to do with breast feeding and WIC and got critisized. I work, also. I don't make that much working at a convenient store, but I'm having a difficult pregnancy and jobs are very, very hard to some by here--the unemployment rate here is like 16%, so I can't just quit this job and look for a higher paying one. We pay taxes, too! It's our money, actually, that pays for it. If we didn't have to pay taxes, then we'd be able to afford it.

Answer 3

Yes! It seems like every time we go into walmart and use WIC they seem irritated with us and look down on us, just because we have to get state help to feed our child. I KNOW HOW YOU FEEL  

Answer 4

I used WIC with my children when they were infants also. I see nothing wrong with getting a little help when your on hard times. I have paid taxes my whole life and still do. I think aid should be used for this just that little extra to get by for a short time  makes a world of difference. This whole system was set up to help NOT SUPPORT ..... I have a problem with the welfare lifers that go generation after generation don't want to work or look for work and the biggest have never worked in this country. They are the ones I don't want to help support. I also think they should have to take random p**s test (all of us that work have to take them) and if they fail the test then all support should be taken away. Like I said this system should be used to HELP those who need help getting back on their feet. Don't listen to others you do what you have to do to get your feet back on the ground.Good luck hun and I hope times get better for you and your family

Answer 5

You are working hard and need to government for a little bit of a leg up and that is just fine. You are working a lot harder than a lot of people getting the same benefit. But those people are right it is their tax dollars that are paying for it. They are acting like jerks but it doesn't sound like you are using the system like a lot of other people, they don't have the right to be rude though.

Answer 6

If people knew just how precious little of their tax dollars goes for social services, they'd simply HAVE to shut up.

You're right, I agree.

I'm glad for the measly sliver of my taxes that goes to these needs.  I was glad when I needed it, and I'm glad to support it now (and in the future) for others.

For pity's sake...

Answer 7

One thing i think is funny is so many of these women sound proud all their children were on wic.  Needing goverment assistance isnt anything to be proud of.  If you cant afford the children stop having them.

I think public assistance is fine when someone really needs help. If you l do everything you can and still need assistance i dont see a problem with it.  To many people take advantage of the systems.  If your not one of those people then who cares.

on the other hand I do everything i can so my wife my child and i are not on public assistance never have been.  I have no college degree im working a entry level position and struggle just like the rest of the world.  My children dont go with out because i budget aqnd i go without to provide for them.  I have a 7 year old and i dont want food stamps.  you know how embaresing it is for a kids friends to see his dad or mom pull out a food stamp card. Maybe its a TEXAS thing but down here public assitance is basically saying i cant take care of my family. ego is all we have here so i work over time have 2 jobs and do what i can so my kids can wear name brand clothes and live in a nice house.  they shouldnt be punished because there parents havent chose to finish college and start a career.

Now if your one of the people i see eating better then i do not looking at prices because the goverment pays for it.  Buying steaks I would only dream of buying and dont work and you are able to work just dont want to work. live in goverment housing as a way out of working yes then i frown on you.

Answer 8

but, when you dont have to use it, it is appalling.  like the girl who said "breastfeeding is offensive", so she's using WIC to get formula.  WIC is meant for people in need.  she's not.

and there she is!  ~*Kim*~

Answer 9

I don't think that you should be "judged" for using WIC.  It is OUR tax dollars that pay for this, not just "mine".  It is there for people that are struggling.  I am happy that you said that you and your husband are working.... It does make me mad when I see people "abuse" the system, like the people that have kids, don't work, and don't plan on ever getting a job.  The people that have kids basically so they can live off the system and not get a job.... those are the people that bother me.  But if you are working and making an attempt to support yourselves I see nothing wrong with using the system that was put in place to help out the people that are struggling.

Answer 10

Dont worry girly.  I get the same thing.  People don't understand that most people on wic have full time jobs and pay the same taxes.  Besides only 5% of "their" taxes go to any and all social welfare programs (including welfare, wic, food stamps, hud, medical, etc).  This total amounts to about $20-30 a year!  Oh wow, so instead of buying a new pair of shoes they were able to help a fellow suffering American human being!  Don't be ashamed of needing help, it is there for hard times and its sad we have to be ashamed.  I get called lazy and a s**t on here all the time because I am on welfare.  Well when I got pregnant to my BF of 4 years I planned to go to finish college and he make the money.  But when he became controlling and abusive those plans changed.  I had to train myself in a job that will make me good money and still finish school.  So now I have an internship at the hospital in addition to my nursing classes so therefore, because their are only 24 hours in a day, it would be impossible to work.  But somehow I am lazy!  I dunno maybe their definition is different than mine :).  Not to mention, its not their tax dollars because welfare opened a child support order and my ex has to pay back every penny.  The only thing I get that is their tax dollars is WIC, but you know what I put lots of tax dollars into it too.  I have worked since I was 15 years old, sometimes even two jobs at once.  I could have gotten wic when I was pregnant because I qualified, but I didn't.  So I don't want to here anyone talk about "their" tax dollars.  I am sorry, but the price of being a citizen in this country is your tax dollars and so they aren't "their" tax dollars, they are Uncle Sam's now and however he choses to spend "his" money is whats gonna happen.  If they don't like it then they can move to Canada or Mexico and I guarantee they will be running back here. :)

Answer 11

I know exactly what you are saying. Some people think that they have the upper hand in everything and cannot get their heads out of their rear ends long enough to know that not everyone can really afford ALL things. I did use WIC with both children until they were off formula. Personally, I could not afford the formula. Both my children were even taking in more formula then WIC covers. They are there to help!  

Answer 12

No, I'm not sick of that.  It is the truth.  Call me insensitive, but I don't understand how two able bodied adults can't make enough money to support themselves.

Answer 13

I really appreciate programs like WIC. It -does- help provide you with better and healthier foods when you're pregnant and after your pregnancy. It buys you the most expensive formula for the newborn baby, too! Not everyone can give their babies the best right off the bat, so having WIC steer you in the right direction is fantastic.

People who say WIC is a waste of tax money probably don't have babies of their own, or they were fortunate enough to not need help financially. Disregard them! :)

Answer 14

Just breastfeed...

Answer 15

IT IS TAX DOLLARS. THE HARD WORKING PEOPLE ARE PAYING FOR YOUR KIDS TO EAT.

and im not judging at all.just stating facts.

YOU CAN GIVE ME THUMBS DOWN.YOU CANT CHANGE THE FACT THAT THIS IS TRUE. AND MOST PEOPLE ABUSE THE PROGRAM ALSO.AND THAT IS ALSO A FACT.WORKING PEOPLE = WIC,WELFARE,FOOD STAMPS,AND PEOPLE TAKING ADVANTAGE.(TRUTH)

Answer 16

I think wic and medicaid were created for people that need the help. I don't believe it should be used for people who don't try to improve their lives and the lives of their children, but some people do try and still need extra assistance. Everyone pays into these things so that it is available for everyone who needs extra support for tough times.  

Answer 17

I hate it too!! What I really hate is that those people will say "our tax dollars" when it's tax paying people that need help to feed their children healthy food on WIC but when there is some low life, non-working bum who drives a lexus and feeds their kids lays potato chips everyday on "our tax dollars", those people say nothing. Why don't you get off our Asses when all we need is a little help getting formula in our childrens mouth when you should be bitching about your tax dollars being used to purchase a lexus of non-working bums.  

Answer 18

I agree with you. It bugs the h**l out of me to. Those people who say it are probably just jealous cause they have to pay for theirs. What they don't realize is that many working people receive WIC too. It is meant for people with low income as well. Some people don't get the proper nutrition  so this makes it more accessible for those in need.

Answer 19

But it is our tax dollars, you cannot refute that...it is just fact. And, yes, it is your tax dollars as well. And consider that, at least theoretically, the less these programs are used, the less we will all pay in taxes.

That being said, if you need it, take it. That is why it is there. You both have jobs, so you are being responsible. I suspect that you are not comfortable taking the aid, otherwise you wouldn't be so upset at people pointing out the obvious.

Answer 20

Yeah, I know what you mean.  Before I ever was pregnant, I certainly worked my tail off.  I worked a full time job, plus a part time job, between the two I worked seven days a week.  I continued both jobs throughout my pregnancy, and kept just my full time job afterwards.  I paid plenty in taxes before I ever had my daughter, so I feel the same as you.  Like you said, it's hard when you know there are families out there who make no effort to work at all when they are fully capable and take advantage of things.  I'm a single mom, and like you WIC is the ONLY assistance I get whatsoever.  I fully support me and my daughter in every other way financially all on my own.  Although I don't have anyone criticizing me for using WIC, I always feel weird about it anyway.  It's funny how people who don't need the help have no problem going for it, but the people who have every right to it end up feeling guilty for it.

Answer 21

WIC is a program that is  there for people who need it.  They have strict income guidelines to  decide who those people are...if you are within their income guidelines...GO FOR IT!  The program is there for people to use it, so do it.

The people that are complaining just need to have something to complain about...and they are actually being very ignorant.  I would rather help out a mother  and child to stay healthy than to pay their medical bills through medical assistance when they are malnourished and unhealthy!  There are many ways to look at it.

Never mind the stupid people of the world...just do what is best for you and your family...I think you are doing the right thing.

ADD:

I worked in a grocery store for 8 years.  What bothered me was not the WIC program, it was the people who used their foodstamps to buy junkfood, pop, and nothing healthy for their children that bothered me.  At least on WIC people have a set list and it is all good things for you.   I think that the food stamp program is the one that needs to be altered...there need to be more rules on what you can and cannot buy.  Honestly, I saw so many people buying luxury things like shrimp and t-bones  with their food stamps...I can't afford to do that...why should they?  

I guess my point is, choose your battle, you are never going to be happy with everything!

Answer 22

I agree with you and feel EXACTLY the same about this matter. It's really bogus!

Answer 23

People are ridiculous and feel a need to judge people, so they'll feel superior.

Wait until they get laid off or lose their job, and they're the ones who have to apply for something like food stamps.

Answer 24

Because it IS their tax dollars.  

Answer 25

if they dont like it they should move to canada where taxes are like 50% of your pay

i think it probably stems from the whole welfare thing.. wic isnt exactly that just milk and cereal and cheese (ooh such a big deal) and people dont want to pay everyone elses living expenses, esp when so many people are obviously taking advantage of the system. ive personally used wic myself just because the prices of all that stuff has gone up so high.. and just as you said, its OUR tax dollars too..so why not use it?

Answer 26

I think the whole WIC system should be changed.  I would have no problem with people using it if they needed it, but when things got better, the "help" should be returned.  You also have to understand that many people on WIC knew they would have to go on it before they even got pregnant.  That's not fair.  I see questions here ALL the time about women with young children on WIC trying to have another child.

Take the woman who posted that she used WIC through all 4 pregnancies.  If she can't afford to support her children, then why is she continuing to have babies?!