Overall, availability and selection of commonly consumed fresh FV and availability of African-American culturally specific fresh FV improved after implementation of the new policy. Modest improvements in the overall availability of canned low-sodium vegetables and frozen FV were observed.
The 2009 introduction of the revised WIC food packages has significantly improved availability and variety of healthy foods in WIC-authorized and (to a smaller degree) non-WIC convenience and grocery stores. Improved availability and variety of whole-grain products were responsible for most of the increase in the composite score of healthy food supply.
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.
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.
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
Health care challenges are evolving within a changing military environment that includes a greater integration of women. Studies examining military gender-specific health care delivery are limited. Research to understand factors important for women in a changing military environment can improve health care delivery and outcomes, and military readiness.