WIC Food Package

Food- and Health-Related Correlates of Self-Reported Body Mass Index Among Low-Income Mothers of Young Children

Shopping practices to stretch food dollars, using community food assistance programs, and HFI correlated with heavier maternal BMIs; higher self-rated health corresponded to lower BMIs.

Stocking Characteristics and Perceived Increases in Sales Among Small Food Store Managers/Owners Associated with the Introduction of New Food Products Approved by the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children

The WIC-approved food products were acquired in multiple ways, although acquisition generally occurred 1-2 times/week. Factors such as customer requests (87 %), refrigerator/freezer availability (65 %) and profitability (71 %) were rated as very important when making stocking decisions. Most managers/owners perceived increases in sales of new WIC-approved foods including those considered most profitable (wholegrain/whole-wheat bread (89 %), lower-fat milk (89 %), white corn/whole wheat tortillas (54 %)), but perceived no changes in sales of processed fruits and vegetables. Supply mechanisms and frequency of supply acquisition were only moderately associated with perceived sales increases.

Small Retailer Perspectives of the 2009 Women, Infants and Children Program Food Package Changes

Store owners experienced implementation challenges, but felt the changes increased the number of customers, sales, and profits.

Food-Shopping Environment Disparities in Texas WIC Vendors: A Pilot Study

Prices were higher in rural areas than in urban areas for 2 key foods, fruits and milk ; non-border vendors had overall better food availability than border vendors; non-border vendors had better accessibility for fruits than border vendors

Perceived Influences on Farmers’ Market use Among Urban, WIC-Enrolled Women

The most common barriers were transportation issues, not knowing the locations of markets and low access. The women were wanted more information on which markets accepted vouchers, the safety of farmers market vegetables and benefits of buying fruits and vegetables from farmers markets.

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.