Fruits and Vegetables

Effects of a 2014 Statewide Policy Change on Cash-Value Voucher Redemptions for Fruits/Vegetables Among Participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

Policy change was associated with a small increase in purchasing, but only among households with healthy food access.

Tracking the Use of Free Produce Coupons Given to Families and the Impact on Children’s Consumption

Coupon redemption across the 4-week study was 27.3%. There was evidence of increased vegetable consumption, but not fruit consumption.

Purchases Made with a Fruit and Vegetable Voucher in a Rural Mexican-Heritage Community

This study suggests that economic incentives can contribute important nutrients to participants' diets and targeted vouchers provided by food assistance programs should continue to include culturally important foods and be aware of the cultural values of their participants.

Mothers Prefer Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Over Jarred Baby Fruits and Vegetables in the New Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children Food Package

Participants reported high satisfaction with the CVV for fruits and vegetables and jarred baby foods, with statistically significant variation across ethnic groups. About two thirds of all participants reported a preference for CVVs for fruits and vegetables over jarred baby foods. Redemption data indicated declining redemption rates for jarred fruits and vegetables with increasing age of the infant across all ethnic groups.

WIC Participants’ Perceived Behavioral Control, Attitudes Toward, and Factors Influencing Behavioral Intentions to Redeeming Cash-Value Vouchers at Certified Farmers Markets

Proportionately more Spanish speakers had greater perceived behavioral control for redeeming CV vouchers at CFM. Not enough variety of produce offered, not knowing what produce to buy, and unfavorable weather conditions were proportionately lower among English speakers than Spanish speakers. Proportionately more Spanish speakers identified availability of organic produce, other items for sale than just produce, and entertainment provided as a factor to redeem CV vouchers. Approximately 43% of English speakers identified unfavorable weather as a barrier to attend CFM.

Rural Versus Urban Texas WIC Participants’ Fruit and Vegetable Consumption

Among children, differences were found for fruit consumption but not vegetable. Urban children were offered and consumed a greater variety of F&V. Mothers' F&V intake was related to age, pregnancy status, and breastfeeding status.

Women, Infants, and Children Cash Value Voucher (CVV) Use in Arizona: A Qualitative Exploration of Barriers and Strategies Related to Fruit and Vegetable Purchases

Among 41 participants, multiple perceived barriers emerged, such as negative interactions in stores or confusion over WIC rules. Among experienced shoppers, WIC strategies also emerged to deal with barriers and maximize CVV value, including strategic choice of times and locations at which to shop and use of price-matching, rewards points, and other ways to increase purchasing power.

Outcomes of a randomized controlled trial of nutrition education to promote farmers’ market fruit and vegetable purchases and consumption among women enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women Infants and Children (WIC)

Those who received the nutrition education had a higher voucher recommendation and higher knowledge of farmers market FNV options.