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.
WIC vouchers change purchasing decisions consistent with the nutritional guidelines of the program. However, we find that households exposed longer to the revised package are generally not more likely to continue to purchase these items after eligibility ends.
One in five U.S. households with children is food insecure with unreliable or inconsistent access to adequate nutrition. Malnutrition and food insecurity can have profound effects on a child’s health, […]
WFS participants consumed more fruit (2.7 cups/day) but less vegetables (1.4 cups/day) than did women nationwide (1.1 and 1.4 cups/day, respectively; P <0.01). Although participants consumed recommended amounts of fruit, their vegetable intake was below recommended levels.
The 2009 WIC revisions led to a substantial decrease in purchases of whole milk and cheese among WIC families in New England.
After the package change, usual energy intakes exceeded recommended levels for infants but fell below recommended levels for toddlers. Also after the package change, mean usual intake of vitamin D was below the EAR for toddlers, and mean usual intakes of vitamin A and zinc exceeded the Tolerable Upper Intake Level for all groups.
These findings demonstrate that positive changes in dietary intake and reductions in obesity followed implementation of the USDA-mandated cost-neutral revisions to the WIC food package for the hundreds of thousands of young children participating in the NYS WIC program.
After the WIC revisions, total purchases of 100% juice among WIC households declined by about a quarter, with little compensation occurring from non-WIC funds for juice and other beverages.
Overall, the survey results for Native American WIC children indicate a shift toward healthier eating patterns, including increased consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat/fat-free milk. Significant changes were observed for milk and grain products.
