This project demonstrates how research and sharing of best practices are essential steps to the policymaking process and how such work can unite the health and agriculture communities to foster improvements in access to healthy food. The NPT was not involved in the drafting of specific legislation; however, communications with key stakeholders and policymakers inspired the political champion to prioritize farm-to-table policies during the legislative session. The NPT encourages others to disseminate findings from policy analyses to policymakers.
Results suggest that residential moves and declines in maternal or child health are associated with transitioning into food insecurity, whereas increases in the number of adults in the household are associated with exits from food insecurity. Changes in income and maternal depression are associated with both entrances and exits.
Findings suggest that strengthening the existing referral processes and enhancing continuity of care between WIC and developmental providers may improve child outcomes and reduce disparities.
Some programs and policies have failed to show consistent results. But the good news is that others are quite effective at improving early childhood health. The most successful include the (WIC), universal immunization, and high-quality, center-based early childhood care and education. Economic analyses reveal that these programs' benefits outweigh their costs, suggesting that public spending to support them is more than justified.
Results show that early WIC participation is associated with both cognitive and academic benefits. These findings suggest that WIC meaningfully contributes to children's educational prospects
Low vegetable consumption and limited variety were also seen among WIC participants and non-participants aged 6 months to 4 years prior to changes in the WIC food package. Increasing children's consumption of all vegetables should continue to be a focus going forward.
Barriers include biological and behavioral issues relating to infant and child development, household- and family-related barriers, obstacles in the larger community, economic limitations, and some government policies and programs. These barriers must be removed to encourage children to eat more vegetables.
Data indicate that children with high food insecurity consumed fewer vegetables, and that physical activity is significantly related to fruit and vegetable intake.
Food insecurity and SNAP/WIC participation were not associated with meeting recommendations, but those reporting ≥ 1 chronic disease were more likely to meet SSB recommendations. Odds of achieving SSB but not water recommendations were greater among individuals with a chronic disease.
Those who received the nutrition education had a higher voucher recommendation and higher knowledge of farmers market FNV options.
