Despite the health benefits of participation, many eligible households do not participate in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). While roughly half of infants born in the United States receive WIC benefits, USDA statistics indicate that eligible pregnant women and children 1-5 years of age are far less likely to participate in WIC than eligible infants and postpartum women. This implies that a number of pregnant women delay enrollment until after having a child, and that many households leave the program when a participating child turns 1 year old. Research on the factors that influence the dynamics of WIC participation can inform outreach and targeting efforts, so that vulnerable populations receive adequate exposure to the benefits of WIC participation.
Abstract: This study, based on 1976-2010 data, examines the relationship between U.S. economic conditions and participation in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s five largest nutrition assistance programs. It also describes […]
WIC provides supplemental food, nutrition education, and referrals to health care and other social services to low-income, nutritionally at-risk women, infants, and children up to 5 years of age. This report explains how WIC works, examines program trends, describes some of the lesser known effects of WIC, and discusses some of the major economic issues facing the program.
This is annual WIC program data on WIC participation from all 90 WIC state agencies, collected and compiled by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
This is WIC monthly program data on WIC participation by food package category and program costs, from all 90 WIC state agencies, collected and compiled by the USDA Food and […]
This is monthly WIC program data from all 90 WIC state agencies, collected and compiled by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
This is summarized WIC program data, collected and compiled by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
This report, the first of three, addresses the first objective of the study, which is to explore the characteristics and experiences of WIC participants. Contractor: ICF Macro This research was […]
This report uses data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to provide a comprehensive picture of the nutrient intakes, food choices, and diet quality of young children who […]
This biennial census provides detailed information on the demographic characteristics, economic circumstances and health conditions of WIC clients, along with information on the operational characteristics of State and local WIC agencies. The data are used for policy development, budget projections and regulatory impact analyses. Information about WIC participation characteristics has been prepared biennially since 1992 from administrative records provided by State agencies.
