I want to extend a special thank you to all the member-owners who joined us for Breakfast With The Board this year. It was held on a chilly Saturday morning, December 7th, at the newly-opened Dragonfly Café in downtown Quincy. Roughly sixty members joined us to discuss the addition to WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) to our Affordable Food Program in 2025.
Our guest speaker, Michelle Fulton, shared the basics of the WIC program with the group, along with startling statistics – including that roughly 60% of the infants born in California qualify for WIC benefits. The co-op has also seen a 23% increase in the use of EBT/Snap when we compare 2023 to 2022. Participation in WIC does have requirements that include carrying some conventional foods such as non-organic milk. This would be a change to our existing internal purchasing policy.
Michelle lined out exactly why we are considering this addition, and how it will impact our stores. In summary, we believe that food access is a fundamental right afforded to all humans. Supporting this program affords the WIC population with more choices to shop for groceries. By bringing in WIC to our stores, we bring in shoppers that have long considered us “too expensive” and out of reach. Additionally, WIC shoppers that become members can apply for our Affordable Food Program in which they receive an every-day 10% discount on grocery purchases for six-month periods, and it is renewable.
Some concerns were raised from the membership related to the addition of WIC to our stores. One of the largest concerns was focused on if we may lose in product if we have to bring in specific WIC approved foods. After careful consideration, we have determined that we will not have to remove any products in order to bring in WIC approved foods. In order to meet requirements for WIC, we must bring in roughly 19 items to add to our already existing product line.
Additional concerns and comments that were raised from members include:
- This is a huge step in the direction of health equity for all.
- A number of “WIC Moms” commented in excitement for this addition for their own families.
- Recommendations that we expand food access to additional populations – examples given include Veterans and Elderly populations.
- Worries that WIC has a negative impact on breastfeeding rates.
- The Portola store should be a pilot for this program, as they show the most need.
Our mission clearly states – As a food co-operative, we strive to uphold a sustainable, democratic and equitable food system that offers wholesome, nutritious, and high-quality products to our community while supporting local farms, businesses and nonprofits. This mission statement shows clear intent on our focus to support the community and provide an equitable food system for all. We believe that adding WIC will open our doors more fully to the community.
What are our next steps?
We are compiling all your concerns and comments together. These results will be shared with the board of directors by the general manager at the January board meeting. There will be discussion on any outstanding concerns not addressed. Once we determine that we are ready to officially add WIC to our Affordable Food Program, the GM will start to work with the county’s WIC coordinator on applying to be a retailer for WIC. There is a process for applying, including submitting all products we are considering for approval. Once we are approved to accept WIC, we will start a pilot program at our Portola store for a period of one year. During that year, there will be efforts to market this new addition to the community. The general manager will be responsible for reporting back to both the board of directors and the membership on the potential of expanding this offering to Quincy in the future. There will be a follow up presentation at our Annual Member Meeting in June 2025.
We invite you to continue to share feedback with us related to introducing WIC to our co-op. Please feel free to email the Board of Directors with any additional questions or concerns you may have about this topic. Email contact – board@featherriver.coop
Sincerely,
Marcie Wilde | General Manager