My wife and I love to shop downtown Nampa. We just love old brick buildings and the feelings of stability they engender. We also love a bargain. So when we stopped at a new "outlet" where the Sherwin-Williams (on the corner of 12th Ave and 3rd St South)used to be, we eagerly searched the shelves for treasures.
My wife found some tea and other things and I found nothing that was not already expired. Including baby formula, chocolate and other edibles, or used to be edibles. I brought this up to the man behind the counter who appeared to be in charge. I was respectful. I waited for other customers to make their purchase and leave. He told me that the reason they sell outdated formula was because lots of people cannot afford to buy regular formula. He said the date was a "Best used by" date. Maybe it is, but I wouldn't feed that to my kids.
People that cannot afford to buy formula shouldn't be having kids. I mean, what's next? Can't afford solid food so I'll feed them out of a dumpster, old, expired food? The litmus test needs to be, would you buy it and eat it?
There are resources for people that need it. One is called WIC. It stands for Women, Infants, Children services. One thing you get is vouchers for food and formula. You also get check ups, and assistance with other things.
If you feel it's too much of a hassle, try going to work, paying for daycare, or stick your mother with watching your child, earn an honest paycheck and buy the formula at normal shelf price. Maybe going to Health and Welfare doesn't sound so bad now after all. Oh, and standing in line and using the vouchers when others may see is so degrading. Get over it. We've all been there. As have my wife and I.
Basically, take care of yourself and your children. Don't skimp on the important stuff, don't be too proud to ask for help. Respect yourself. Don't let anyone tell you who you are.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
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