ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A new problem is cropping up as coronavirus-related panic shopping continues in grocery stores around the Bay area: mothers on WIC assistance are being left without needed essentials.
- WIC a federally funded program that helps low-income mothers
- Officials aware of problem, encouraging shoppers to avoid buying WIC-eligible items to preserve supplies
- More coronavirus stories
“It really hit me when I realized my son’s milk wasn’t there, because that’s what he drinks the majority of right now given that he’s 1 years old," said Caroline Beam, a mother of two who receives WIC benefits.
WIC is a federally funded program for low-income mothers that provides healthy foods at no cost, including milk, eggs and formula. But with those items being bought up quickly amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Beam said she is left with limited shopping options.
"We have to go out to the stores multiple times a day," said Beam. "We’re exposing our children. We’re supposed to be staying home.”
Maggie Hall, a spokesperson with the Florida Department of Heath in Pinellas County, said officials are aware of the problem and are trying to send a message to shoppers.
"If someone sees 'WIC-eligible' on the shelf's price tag, he or she should purchase other items so that WIC recipients have supplies," Hall said.
As of right now, Hall said she is not aware of any plans at the federal level to extend benefits past their monthly expiration date, something Beam said would help.
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