Hi- I was waiting in line to check out at one of the Meijer's in Michigan a few years ago, and the person in front of me was on the WIC program, and she was buying a gallon of milk with one of her WIC coupons, and the cashier told her that she was only allowed to buy two half gallons of milk instead. The bagger had to take the gallon container of milk back, and replace it with two half gallons of milk.

I believe the only orange juice that Jewel sells in 64 ounce containers is the Deans brand. I take it that the IGA store has a lot of people that are part of the WIC program, and that is why 59 ounce containers of orange juice do not sell well?

Thanks, Nancy

NFriday wrote:I believe the only orange juice that Jewel sells in 64 ounce containers is the Deans brand. I take it that the IGA store has a lot of people that are part of the WIC program, and that is why 59 ounce containers of orange juice do not sell well?

Thanks, Nancy

That is correct. In that county, the median household income is about $28k.

And, of course, if you order a "pint" of beer at the local pub, there's a good chance you're not getting 16 fl. oz. of beer.

First world problems

jlawrence01 wrote:

NFriday wrote:I believe the only orange juice that Jewel sells in 64 ounce containers is the Deans brand. I take it that the IGA store has a lot of people that are part of the WIC program, and that is why 59 ounce containers of orange juice do not sell well?

Thanks, Nancy

That is correct. In that county, the median household income is about $28k.

Is there rampant juice and milk fraud?

pairs4life wrote:Is there rampant juice and milk fraud?

It's not fraud if the net fill and/or net weight is accurately displayed on the packaging. That doesn't necessarily mean it isn't deceptive but it's perfectly legal. It's just one way in which manufacturers attempt to preserve or extend their margins without raising prices. Create a smaller package containing less product but make sure it looks virtually identical to the previous package. Some consumers notice. Some don't. However, when an issue like the one described above by jlawrence01 comes up, the packaging change becomes a lot more noticeable.

=R=

ronnie_suburban wrote:

pairs4life wrote:Is there rampant juice and milk fraud?

It's not fraud if the net fill and/or net weight is accurately displayed on the packaging. That doesn't necessarily mean it isn't deceptive but it's perfectly legal. It's just one way in which manufacturers attempt to preserve or extend their margins without raising prices. Create a smaller package containing less product but make sure it looks virtually identical to the previous package. Some consumers notice. Some don't. However, when an issue like the one described above by jlawrence01 comes up, the packaging change becomes a lot more noticeable.

=R=

My point is this.

All these manufacturers who downsized their product in an effort to increase their margins have lost out on a good number of sales in supermarkets that serve low-income families. The local independent grocers are very careful to follow the WIC regulations to the letter as they are always worried about federal audits.

I notice when sizes get smaller, but it is more of an irritant than anything else. When I can't Believe IT's Not Butter changed packaging, I lost my favorite leftover storage container.

In some cases, smaller packaging is preferable. I prefer smaller sizes in ice cream and other items I am not supposed to buy. (g)