This report presented a re-analysis of the data from the 1991 and 1998 WIC Vendor Management Practices studies, which allowed comparisons of the findings. From operational and management perspectives, it was important for FNS to know whether there had been any changes in vendor management practices from 1991 to 1998.
In this study, the researchers analyzed 2004-09 Nielsen scanner-based retail sales data from more than 7,000 stores in 30 states, to examine the effect of winning a WIC sole-source contract on infant formula manufacturers ; market share in supermarkets. According to the findings, the manufacturer holding the WIC contract brand accounted for the vast majority (84%) of all formula sold by the top three manufacturers. The impact of a switch in the manufacturer that held the WIC contract was considerable.
This report examines trends in the factors affecting WIC infant formula costs from January 1998 to January 2006. Data on infant formula manufacturers ; bids for rebate contracts, formula manufacturers ; wholesale price lists, and scanner-based retail sales data from supermarkets were used in the study. Results suggested that retail markup accounted for most of the cost to WIC of infant formula in most states. However, both retail markup and net wholesale price had increased over time. The recent increase in these components coincided with the introduction of higher-priced supplemented infant formulas. The authors concluded that conditions might change after the market adjusts to these new formulas.
This report developed an economic model that provided the theoretical framework for the econometric analysis presented in the report's companion volume, WIC and the Retail Price of Infant Formula (FANRR No.39-1). The model examines supermarket retail prices for infant formula in a local market area and identified the theoretical effects of WIC and its infant formula rebate program.
This report presented findings from the most comprehensive national study of infant formula prices at the retail level. For a given set of wholesale prices, WIC and its infant formula rebate program resulted in modest increases in the supermarket price of infant formula, especially in states with a high percentage of WIC formula-fed infants. However, lower-priced infant formulas were available to non-WIC consumers in most areas of the country, and the number of these lower-priced alternatives was increasing over time.
This study assessed the impact of the 2009 changes to the WIC food packages on the perceived sales, product selection, and stocking habits of small WIC-authorized food stores. Results showed that regardless of the type or frequency of supply acquisition, perceived increases in sales provided some evidence of the potential sustainability of the new food packages.
This report provided improper payment estimates for undercharges and overcharges in the WIC Program for fiscal year 2010. In fiscal year 2010, WIC improper payments amounted to 1.1% of total WIC food outlays, compared with an improper payment rate of 1.2% in 2009.
This study compared products stocked before and after the implementation of the revised WIC food packages in WIC-authorized and non-WIC-authorized stores. After implementation, WIC-authorized stores improved their inventory of healthier foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, lower-fat milk, whole-grain bread, and brown rice.
Survey report on California WIC participant shopping and consumption habits, in anticipation of the 2009 WIC food package changes. Implications for food package rollout strategy, challenges, and opportunities.
Survey report on California WIC employee shopping and consumption habits, in anticipation of the 2009 WIC food package changes. Implications for food package rollout strategy, challenges, and opportunities.
