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

Recruitment and Retention of WIC Participants


Changes in Maternal Cigarette Smoking Among Pregnant WIC Participants in Rhode Island

The authors explored the relationship between the timing of entry into the WIC Program among pregnant women in Rhode Island and changes in maternal cigarette smoking (MCS) during pregnancy. Self-reports from smokers indicated that 9.5% quit smoking; 24.6% decreased MCS; 26.8% experienced no change; 33.5% increased MCS; and 5.6% attempted to quit MCS, but failed during pregnancy.


Underimmunization in Chicago Children who Dropped Out of WIC

This retrospective cohort study determined whether children who remained active at WIC immunization-linked sites after their first birthday were more likely to be immunized by ages 19 months and 25 months than those who had dropped out. The study concluded that children who participated in WIC were more likely to be immunized, compared with children who had dropped out of WIC.


Understanding Young Parents

“In 2013, there were 3.6 million young parents (those ages 18 to 24) living with their children in the United States.1 These young adults face particular challenges gaining the skills, […]


Federal Nutrition Program Revisions Impact Low-Income Households’ Food Purchases

WIC food package revisions appear associated with improved nutritional profiles of food purchases among WIC participating households compared with low-income nonparticipating households. These package revisions may encourage WIC families to make healthier choices among their overall packaged food purchases. WIC households purcase fewed calories, less sodium sugar and total fat along with refined grains, grain desserts and SSB. They also purchase more fruits and vegetables