Both the intensive breastfeeding training of WIC staff and the structural changes to the WIC food packages were associated with more breastfeeding and less formula use by low-income mothers. It is especially important to note that significant improvements occurred before the policy actually changed, reflecting the value of investing in intensive training for frontline WIC staff.
The report provides suggestions to improving breastfeeding rates for WIC participants by improving the WIC packages
Rates of ever breastfed children are rising nationally but the increase is not associated with changes in WIC's new food package
Compared with nonparticipants, fewer WIC infants were breastfed and consumed any vegetable but more consumed 100% juice. Fewer WIC toddlers and preschoolers consumed any fruit vs nonparticipants. The WIC toddlers were more likely to consume any sweet vs nonparticipants, especially sugar-sweetened beverages.
WIC participants consumed more cereals while on WIC and consumed more WIC approved brands. Once they left the program, they still tended to consume WIC approved cereal brands
The review committee targeted amounts of food, specifications for foods and additional substitutions of options for foods. They recommended reducing the quantities of items supplied in more than supplemental forms, increasing foods that were under consumed (FNV) and adjusted criteria to include whole grains while reducing added sugar consumption. Additional options were added for vegan participants.
WIC participants had the greatest inadequate nutrient intake for vitamin E and fiber, followed by magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin C and calcium
Compared to non-WIC participants, children living in a household currently receiving WIC benefits children consumed nearly double the amount of red and orange vegetables (0.04), and significantly fewer teaspoons of added sugars (15 vs. 18 tsp, p=0.002) after controlling for age, sex, race, and household income.
There were significant differences in availability and variability scores of healthy organic foods between high- and low-income neighborhood stores. Organic food items, specifically 15% fat content ground beef, peanut butter, apple juice, and eggs were priced significantly higher than conventional items (p < 0.05). Pricing of organic foods varied and no significant pricing trends were noted between neighborhood income levels.
There has been an increase in healthful food after the revised food packages became available. Additionally, results show that the new food packages have an impact on healthier food intake as well, specifically whole grains, lower fat milk, and fruits and vegetables.
