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Recruitment and Retention of WIC Participants

Barriers to the Use of WIC Services

This study identified barriers that deterred parents/caretakers of infants and children enrolled in the WIC Program from taking full advantage of the services provided by the program. Waiting too long was the most frequently cited barrier (48%). Difficulties in bringing the infant/child to recertify and rescheduling appointments were key variables associated with failure to use (i.e., pick up or cash) WIC checks.

Effects of Federal Nutrition Program on Birth Outcomes

The authors examines the impact of the WIC Program on birth outcomes. They found that rather than affecting average outcomes, WIC was more effective in reducing the probability of high-risk births, for example, very premature and low-birth weight babies. The potential benefits of the WIC Program can be realized by enhancing its focus on more disadvantaged mothers.

Maternal Health Behaviors and Infant Health Outcomes Among Homeless Mothers: US Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) 2000-2007

The goal of this study was to determine whether participation in the WIC Program was associated with improved maternal and infant health outcomes among homeless women in the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System. Compared with those not in the program, women enrolled in WIC were significantly more likely to have a higher body mass index, initiate breastfeeding after delivery, have prenatal care visits, have a longer gestational age, and have a higher infant birth weight.

Can Targeted Transfers Improve Birth Outcomes? Evidence from the Introduction of the WIC Program

This study explored the relationship between participation in the WIC Program and birth outcomes. The authors analyzed whether WIC participation increased the average birth weight and decreased the number of low-birth weight births. Based on the results, WIC initiation raised the average birth weight by 2 grams and raised it by 7 grams among infants born to mothers with low education levels.

Does Prenatal WIC Participation Improve Birth Outcomes? New Evidence from Florida

Using data sets from Florida about all births between 1997 and 2001, the authors analyzed the effects of prenatal nutrition and education services provided by WIC on birth outcomes. Based on their results, WIC participation had no effect on mean birth weight and gestational age, but substantially reduced the likelihood of adverse birth outcomes, including birth weights below 2,500 grams.

Socioeconomic Gradients and Low Birth‐Weight: Empirical and Policy Considerations

The objective of this study was to examine whether socioeconomic status (SES) gradients emerged in health outcomes as early as birth. Results showed that participation in WIC substantially flattened income gradients for short-term participants and virtually eliminated an income gradient among long-term participants. The researcher concluded that WIC’s effects on income gradients warrant additional study, to explore further whether interventions or participants; characteristics could resolve socioeconomic disparities in such early-life health;outcomes as low birth weight.