Tough times are ahead for California WIC. Local support funding is already down, and local agencies are making hard decisions about curtailing staffing and services. Congress has passed Budget Control legislation that puts WIC in the crosshairs: we are vulnerable to cuts at every juncture of the tortured political process that will unfold soon in Washington. Poverty and hunger are back to high levels.

Most discouraging, however, is the growing undercurrent of mean-spirited rhetoric about the nation’s commitment to fighting poverty and hunger. All of a sudden it’s okay to cheer about people going without healthcare and to question whether basic safety net programs like Social Security are “worth it.”

In this scary climate, it’s important to get back to our history and core WIC values. We are here because Congress decided that America would not tolerate hunger and malnutrition. We are here because families need the nutritious food, education, and referrals that we offer.

Much of what we do in WIC costs money, and the hard truth is we may have to make do with less. But the secret of WIC’s amazing success is priceless. Every day, a desperate, sad, or confused WIC participant shows up in a WIC office looking for help. We listen and give simple support, some breastfeeding or nutrition tips, a phone number, or just a warm smile.