FNS produces biennial reports on current participant and program characteristics in the WIC Program for general program monitoring, as well as for managing the information needs of the program. The biennial reports include information on the income and nutritional risk characteristics of WIC participants; data on WIC Program participation for migrant farm worker families; and other information on WIC participation that is deemed appropriate by the secretary of agriculture. (Only the most recent report is included in this document.)
Using data from the 2002 Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study (FITS), the researchers examines the nutrient intakes, foods consumed, and feeding patterns of infants and toddlers participating in WIC. Results found that infants enrolled in WIC were less likely to have been breastfed, compared with other US children. Significant numbers of WIC and non-WIC toddlers did not consume enough fruits and vegetables.
This study investigated whether women who received supplemental financial support specifically for the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables would exhibit high uptake of the supplement. The researchers also recorded what those individuals would choose to purchase. The authors concluded that women used the supplement provided almost fully and that they purchased a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables for their families. No particular barriers arose to redemption of the vouchers by either the participants or retail vendors.
The researchers examines associations between WIC participation and indicators of underweight, overweight, length, caregiver-perceived health, and household food security among infants ages 12 months or younger, at six urban hospitals and clinics. Results showed that of the eligible families not receiving WIC assistance, 64% reported access problems, and 36% denied a need for WIC. Families who were not receiving WIC because of access problems were more likely to have underweight infants and experience food insecurity.
This study investigated the association between WIC participation and breastfeeding behaviors among white and black women in Mississippi. analysis of data from the 2004;2008 Mississippi Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System revealed that 52.2 % of white women and 82.1 % of black women participated in WIC. A total of 60.4 % of white women and 39.7 % of black women initiated breastfeeding, and 26.5 % and 21.9 %, respectively, were breastfeeding at 10 weeks postpartum. WIC participation was negatively associated with breastfeeding initiation among whites, but not blacks.
