CQ has a story [registration required] on State actions to constrain WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children) spending because of skyrocketing food prices. The price of milk has risen over 20% this year and eggs are 35% more expensive. States are cutting back on the types and amount of food WIC participants receive or can purchase.
Here's an excerpt on the effectiveness of WIC for those who can't access CQ.com:
"Without a decline in food prices or an increase in appropriations, cutting some possible beneficiaries from the WIC rolls may be inevitable. Still, the program is popular with both Democrats and Republicans, and that may lead Congress to boost spending. Studies show that children who receive food through WIC are more likely to be breast-fed, less likely to be underweight at birth, less likely to incur government-funded medical bills and more likely to be intellectually ready to start school."
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