WIC Research, Policy and Practice Hub WIC Research, Policy and Practice Hub

Month: March 2018


Dietary Composition and Weight Change Among Low-Income Preschool Children

The purpose of this study was to understand the relationship between dietary composition and weight change among a sample of children enrolled in the North Dakota WIC Program. No significant relationships were found between total intake of fat, fiber, fruits, or vegetables and weight change. The results indicated less weight change associated with an increased consumption of breads and grains and more weight change with an increased consumption of fatty foods.


The Challenge of Preventing and Treating Obesity in Low-Income Preschool Children: Perceptions of WIC Healthcare Professionals

The purpose of this study was to develop innovative ways to address the different perceptions about the challenges that exist in managing childhood obesity among WIC healthcare professionals. Based on the thoughts, perceptions, and suggestions from the healthcare professionals, the researchers concluded that WIC may benefit from (1) providing staff training in counseling skills that educate parents on child development and child rearing, (2) focusing more attention on counseling, and (3) developing collaborations with primary healthcare providers and community agencies that impact childhood obesity.


Growth Pattern of Overweight Preschool Children in the Siouxland WIC Program

This study analyzed the relationship between height and weight and several variables for preschool children enrolled in the Siouxland WIC Program. The children had a large average increase in weight between birth and 8 months and between 12 months and 30 months. Overweight children were different from their normal-weight peers in birth weight, monthly household income, number of people living in the household, and mother's education level. Variables influencing changes in weight included birth weight, sex of child, breastfeeding status, and household size.


Changing WIC changes what children eat

This study investigated dietary intake and obesity prevalence changes in WIC children after the implementation of the revised WIC food packages in 2009. Results showed increases in WIC mothers; breastfeeding initiation and in the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat/non-fat milk by young children. Weight for length and body mass index also decreased in young children.


Revised WIC Food Package Improves Diets of WIC Families

The authors analyzed the impact of the new WIC food packages on WIC participants; consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat milk. Changes in the WIC food packages produced the following results: Consumption of whole grains improved by 17.3 percentage points, from baseline; and consumption of whole milk decreased 60% to 63%, for caregivers and children, respectively. In addition, though small, there was a significant increase in the consumption of fruits and vegetables.


Food Package Assignments and Breastfeeding Initiation Before and After a Change in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children

The purpose of this study was to measure changes in WIC food package assignments, WIC infant formula amounts, and breastfeeding initiation after the implementation of the revised WIC food packages. Results revealed that the percentage of mothers who received the partial breastfeeding package fell from 24.7% to 13.8%; the percentage of mothers who received the full breastfeeding package rose from 9.8% to 17.1%; and the percentage of mothers who received the full formula package rose from 20.5% to 28.5%.


Stocking Characteristics and Perceived Increases in Sales Among Small Food Store Managers/Owners Associated with the Introduction of New Food Products Approved by the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children

This study assessed the impact of the 2009 changes to the WIC food packages on the perceived sales, product selection, and stocking habits of small WIC-authorized food stores. Results showed that regardless of the type or frequency of supply acquisition, perceived increases in sales provided some evidence of the potential sustainability of the new food packages.