02/04/2026
The squeaky wheel gets oiled. 🛞🍼
I sent a very strongly worded email to the director over the entire WIC program in NC explaining why formula allotments should be different for premature infants like JRob who require higher-calorie formula mixes.
That email led to two phone calls.
First, I heard from the lead nutritionist. She explained I could opt out of solid food benefits to receive one extra can of formula per month, but that USDA sets the overall allotments, so policy concerns would have to be taken up with them. Still—she made sure I got that extra can.
Then, about 15 minutes later, I received a call from my district’s WIC director. He personally reached out to JRob’s pediatrician and asked her to write a specific medical note requesting extra cans and clearly explaining the medical necessity—rather than the generic WIC prescription that usually just lists the formula type and any specific instructions your doctor has. Thats typically where they put his calorie requirements in prior.
That note made all the difference.
➡️ We were approved for FOUR extra cans per month.
➡️ He also secured a supplemental allotment of 4 cans early, since JRob had to switch formulas before my benefits renewed.
I truly cannot say enough good things about Drew, the Appalachian District WIC Director. He has gone above and beyond for us—not just now, but even early on when we were dealing with breast pump issues after JRob was born. He’s a former NICU parent himself, and that lived experience shows. He understands this struggle firsthand.
This is your reminder: advocate loudly. Ask questions. Push back. Sometimes the system can bend—especially when someone on the other side truly cares. 💙
