Senator Lloyd Smucker: WIC Announcement

First, I would like to thank Secretary Everette James for coming to Lancaster to make this announcement. His passion to improve and protect the health of all Pennsylvanians is evident through his comments he just shared with us.

Also, I would like to thank Mark Esterbrook of CAP in Lancaster for hosting this announcement and for all his hard work he puts into serving the community.

Additionally, I would like to thank the other speakers this morning, Shirley Sword from the Department of Nutrition Services at the Department, Cathie McCullough from the USDA, and especially to Eva Torres for sharing her story. That can be a difficult thing to do.

The consequences of the recession on families are painfully evident. Poverty is on the rise again, and with that comes an increase in hunger. During such times, people really want to see government stepping in to help the most vulnerable, and that is what this announcement is all about.

While many express doubts about state government spending, WIC is a pretty good example of a program that works well. There is clear need, clear purpose, and clear benefits.

The new WIC food package comes just when our priorities include improving the nutrition of kids and curbing child obesity. There are obvious health benefits to a better diet. When it comes to education, the old slogan had it that: “reading is fundamental.” When it comes to the ability to learn, proper nutrition is fundamental too.

We are pleased that the Department of Health picked Lancaster County as a place to make this announcement. It serves to underscore the tremendous job that the Community Action Program does on a daily basis. And it shows that, despite the regrettable uncertainty and delays the state budget crisis has caused, Pennsylvania intends to keep our commitments to the capable community organizations delivering irreplaceable services to our citizens.