more WIC follies

[Raveni]

I spent six months serving food in a homeless shelter. And the food wasn't just a bunch of stew and slop....it was prepared and delivered every day by a catering company. REALLY good stuff (my one job perk was getting to eat after everyone was served). The same kind of food that would be served at parties, weddings, etc. And still people would bitch about the food, or announce they were going to go to McDonald's instead, or sit around and discuss how they thought it could be better. Very few of the people I encountered in the shelter were grateful. Many more felt they were entitled to so much more (for free).

Man, once I was done serving and cleaning up, I tore that food UP.

That's a lot better than my experience. I volunteered at a shelter when I was in school, and we cooked all the food ourselves. Granted, we were all certified chefs, but I can't say that the fare was any better than what is served at the school cafeteria.

Still, it was free, and usually the only complaints were that we were slow or that there wasn't enough places to sit.

[MoonCat]

I don't know that using paper anything is better than the card. When our state issued paper food stamps, some recipients would try to sell some to other shoppers so they could use the cash to get things that weren't allowed on the program, like beer, cigs, etc. With the cards they have now, they can't do that.

[Raveni]

I don't know that using paper anything is better than the card. When our state issued paper food stamps, some recipients would try to sell some to other shoppers so they could use the cash to get things that weren't allowed on the program, like beer, cigs, etc. With the cards they have now, they can't do that.

You underestimate the power of the SCs...

Sometimes it makes it easier, because you can give your friend your PIN and the card and they can give you cash when they get home. Almost every grocery store treats EBT just like a debit card and lets the customer swipe their own card and type their PIN in. It only gets suspicious when they forget the PIN and have to call the actual owner of the card to get it.

People still do it with strangers too. They would shop with the stranger and put everything together on the EBT, and the cash would change hands outside. Or inside if they were really bold. Sob stories about needing the cash to buy medicine for their family were common, but they always ended up coming back later that day to buy beer.

[blas]

Quite true, I once had a coworker at the gas station who said that if I gave her $20 cash so she could buy pot, she'd let me borrow her Quest card and give me her PIN number (Wisconsin foodstamps) and I could get $20 worth of food.

But back on topic, WIC was always a pain for me, but that was also going on 8 years ago when I last dealt with it. I'm sure it's a little more simple now, but my lord, I didn't realize how hard it was to shop for milk and cheese.

[Raveni]

The only tricky thing about it now (or at least a few months ago), is that if you ring up ONE item that is not explicitly listed on the voucher, the store will not get paid for the entire transaction.

Add to this the complication that many items like rice, beans, and bread are listed by the ounce. So if a customer brings up a 20oz loaf of bread but the voucher says 16oz, it won't work.

Some WIC transactions get well above $50, especially if baby formula is involved. So, it's not that the manager doesn't want to help the customer out. They just have to make sure that everything is done exactly by the book or the store doesn't get paid.

[taxguykarl]

Quite true, I once had a coworker at the gas station who said that if I gave her $20 cash so she could buy pot, she'd let me borrow her Quest card and give me her PIN number (Wisconsin foodstamps) and I could get $20 worth of food.

My ex-GF's real BF (long story) once offered me $80 in groceries for $40 cash--this was to finance their crack binge. Needless to say, I told him what to do with that offer. Though I have no doubt that he found a taker somewhere.

[Andara Bledin]

With the cards they have now, they can't do that.

I had some WIC scammer trying to get me to allow them to pay for my food with their card and give them cash for it. They didn't say that outright, but I knew that WIC uses cards now (from here), so it was pretty obvious.

Needless to say, I didn't take them up on it, and I told the manager what they were up to.

^-.-^

[Sapphire Silk]

People still do it with strangers too. They would shop with the stranger and put everything together on the EBT, and the cash would change hands outside. Or inside if they were really bold. Sob stories about needing the cash to buy medicine for their family were common, but they always ended up coming back later that day to buy beer.

Hey, beer's medicine!


*runs and hides*

[Midnight12]

From last I knew as a cashier I recall looking at past and current WIC phamplets and that alot of the cold cereal had been removed from what used to be allowed and now they allow alot less. OR with Honey Kix but not regular KIX. Thats all well and fine but who carries the secondary version anymore? That and technically kids aren't supposed to have honey until a certain age due to botulism?

I kind of miss the WIC card, as it made things easier, but the vouchers are also more secure as signatures are required. Not sure about the security meassures with the card but that also means the stores that take WIC also have to get the new card reader machines that process the WIC cards and the program that goes with it. Its a good idea but for stores it creates kind of a hassle. That and the people that have it are expected to keep up with what they are allowed for those three months and not use it all up. (they were given a print out of what they get for those three months are are responsible for that one print out. or have to go back to the WIC offices to have someone read their card and print out whats left on it

Very happy that WIC is still around but sad to see that due to not just the economy but many people abusing it that WIC has had to make cutbacks with what is allowed and with its employees as well. At least in my state the have had to make budget cuts....

[purplecat41877]

The grocery store I work at doesn't do WIC. That's because the store lost their license a few years ago.

[Peppergirl]

The grocery store I work at doesn't do WIC. That's because the store lost their license a few years ago.

Likely because of lazy EW's and spineless management.

WIC doesn't play - or so I've heard. Even the most minute mistake will result in the stores not getting paid, and apparently some losing their license.

It should be a lesson to grocers.

[Mytical]

Ah WIC. Brings back the memories..not fond memories mind, but memories. Cashiering and WIC is a pain, and yes they are VERY strict. As for being trained on WIC .... . Bwahahahaha...can't breath......

Wally World has much more important things to do then train their employees on how to do ANYTHING WIC. You figure it out though. The SC's though..*sighs*...

Bella .. sorry you have to deal with the pain that is WIC..but more importantly the SC's that can come with it. MOST are ok, and understand the rules..but the ones that either don't or WON'T just want to make one

[OfficeSlug]

Wally World has much more important things to do then train their employees on how to do ANYTHING WIC. You figure it out though. The SC's though..*sighs*...

Which is why I try not to laugh when I hear, "But I can get [that item] at WALMART?" I'm sure you can, sweety, but you're not at Walmart. Sorry.


Our computer beeps and comes up with a message, "NOT WIC APPROVED, ALLOW? Y/N?" Uh, no. Let me check the colorful brochure with pictures first. That's when the SC gets all huffy.

[Sapphire Silk]

From last I knew as a cashier I recall looking at past and current WIC phamplets and that alot of the cold cereal had been removed from what used to be allowed and now they allow alot less. OR with Honey Kix but not regular KIX. Thats all well and fine but who carries the secondary version anymore? That and technically kids aren't supposed to have honey until a certain age due to botulism?

It's a honey flavoring. While they probably use real honey, but the time the cereal is cooked, any botulism is dead. It's RAW honey kids should not eat (which includes the kinds in most jars since honey is not pasteurized).

Why they would allow Honey Kix but not regular is surprising. Guess the government got a deal on the Honey Kix.

[Midnight12]

It's a honey flavoring. While they probably use real honey, but the time the cereal is cooked, any botulism is dead. It's RAW honey kids should not eat (which includes the kinds in most jars since honey is not pasteurized).

Why they would allow Honey Kix but not regular is surprising. Guess the government got a deal on the Honey Kix.

Ok. Now I feel dumb there sorry. DOH

Well, from the info they give out for my state, its not a picture brochure, its a double sided book mark length thing that says what is and is not allowed I guess to save time. Its organized under each category and to help some by name brand and the varieties under name brand. weird but ok. I guess its cheaper to give those out to save money. That and Honey Kix WAS popular but I guess seasonal. Thats ok there are other varieties available.

I don't know if this is allowed with other states but Louisiana allows a Proxy, either your spouse or family member to get this if you cannot. But it has to be their authorized signature ON the folder, and notarized piece of paper they give you with each voucher set or no one else but you or the proxy can get it. Ie if both signatures are not on the blue folder they give you OR on the piece of paper required to be shown at time of purchase then its a no go.
Soy milk and Lactaid milk are allowed but you have to go through a few hoops to get the soy milk. Dr's note and proof.