This study evaluated the implementation of the Interim Rule for the new WIC food packages, investigating the following questions: (1) How did state agencies respond to optional provisions of the Interim Rule? (2) What specific foods did state agencies include on their food list when implementing the revised food packages? (3) What changes were observed on WIC food lists, before and after implementation of the Interim Rule, including food categories that were not directly affected by the Interim Rule? State agencies adopted many, but not all, of the optional provisions of the Interim Rule, and there were high rates of adoption of food substitutes.
This study evaluated the effect of the new WIC food packages on WIC participation; food package choice; and breastfeeding initiation, duration, and intensity. After implementation of the new food packages, more mothers opted for the full breastfeeding and full formula packages. Breastfeeding initiation rates remained approximately the same before and after implementation. And, based on a multivariate analysis after implementation, the change in the likelihood of reaching 4 weeks of breastfeeding duration was negligible in magnitude and statistically insignificant.
The purpose of this analysis was to study the food consumption pattern of preschoolers ages 2 and 3 in the US. The study found that 33% consumed whole milk at least once per day. In addition, 70% consumed vegetables at least once per day, with french fries and other fried potatoes as the most consumed vegetable. A total of 73% consumed fruits at least once per day. Furthermore, 85% consumed a sweetened beverage, dessert, sweet snack, or salty snack at least once per day.
In fiscal 2008, the $4.6 billion of food purchased with vouchers from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) generated $1.3 billion in farm revenue. Because WIC participants would have purchased some of these foods with their own money in the absence of the program, the net addition to farm revenue from WIC was estimated at $331 million. The net increase in full-time-equivalent farm jobs was estimated at 2,640. The researchers used an input-output multiplier model to derive these estimates and assumed that recent revisions in the WIC food packages were implemented in all states in fiscal 2008.
For more than 30 years, the WIC Program has provided foods that supplement the diet of millions of low-income women, infants, and children. The WIC Program has been very successful, particularly in improving nutrient intakes among participants. In early 2004, the Institute of Medicine formed a committee to review the WIC Program current supplemental food packages and determine whether a redesign could help participating families eat a healthier diet. The committees food package recommendations were presented in this report and matched current dietary guidance for infants and young children. The recommendations encouraged consumption of fruits and vegetables and emphasized whole grains, lower saturated fat, and inclusion of foods that appealed to diverse populations.
The purpose of this report was to examine the types and amounts of foods being prescribed within the WIC food package for each category of participants. The report was based on data collected by the biennial WIC Participants and Program Characteristic studies (1998, 2000, and 2002). This report did not provide information on redemption of the food prescriptions or on actual food consumption.
This study examines the degree to which food prices, caseloads, and cost-containment practices influenced costs of state WIC food benefits packages. Because few data existed on the actual food items that WIC participants purchased, the study used a scanner dataset of supermarket transactions and other sources to estimate the average monthly cost of WIC food benefits in several areas.
This study evaluated whether low-income late postpartum women complied with the dietary guidelines. researchers found low compliance rates for recommended intake of grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy foods, total fat, and added sugar. They also found that several psychosocial factors were associated with unhealthy diets, including neglect of self-care, weight-related distress, negative body image, stress, and depressive symptoms.
The authors investigated the impact of the WIC Program on the eating behaviors of preschool children in southeastern Idaho. researchers found that after 6 months on WIC, the mean overall Healthy Eating Index score and subscores for vegetables, fruits, and meats increased significantly.
The researchers examines cost-containment practices in six states, including interviews with the various stakeholders and analysis of WIC administrative data. The authors reached three major conclusions: (1) Cost-containment practices reduced average food package costs by 0.2% to 21.4%, depending on practices implemented and local conditions; (2) the cost-containment practices had few adverse outcomes for WIC participants; and (3) administrative costs of the practices were low, averaging about 1.5% of food package savings.
