New WIC Limits Set Maximum Monthly Milk Allowances

This bill amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, but it's not about school lunches. This one's focused on the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children—better known as WIC. Specifically, it sets a hard cap on how much milk certain WIC recipients can get each month.

Milk Caps by the Numbers

The bill lays out the maximum monthly milk allowances for different WIC food packages:

• Food Package IV: 16 quarts max.
• Food Package V: 22 quarts max.
• Food Package VI: 22 quarts max.
• Food Package VII: 24 quarts max.

What It Means in Real Life

So, what's the practical effect? Imagine a mom with a toddler and a newborn. Depending on which food package she's getting, she'll be limited to a specific number of quarts of milk per month. For example, if she's on Food Package V, she can't get more than 22 quarts, even if her pediatrician recommends more for her kids' specific needs. While the bill sets clear limits, it might also limit flexibility. If a family uses less milk one month, they can’t roll that over, it’s use-it-or-lose-it, up to the cap.

The Big Picture

This change to the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (specifically Section 17(g)(5)) aims to bring some consistency to the WIC program. By setting these maximums, the folks running WIC have clearer guidelines, and it might help keep program costs in check. But, it could also mean less wiggle room for families whose milk needs might change month-to-month. It's a trade-off between clear rules and individual flexibility.