WIC Research, Policy and Practice Hub WIC Research, Policy and Practice Hub


Journal Article

WIC Participants’ Perspectives About Online Ordering and Technology in the WIC Program

By Zimmer M, Beaird J, Anderson Steeves E.

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) participants’ perceptions about ordering WIC groceries online.

Methods

Qualitative semistructured interviews were conducted with 24 WIC participants in East Tennessee from May to October 2019. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a grounded theory approach.

Results

Participants were interested in online ordering and spoke favorably about delivery and pickup options. Participants were willing to pay $2–5 to order online, though they were more willing to pay for a home or curbside delivery than an in-store pickup. Participants suggested additional ways to integrate technology into WIC food retail operations, such as providing benefit balances via text message and developing a mobile phone application for Tennessee WIC.

Conclusions and Implications

Findings can inform pilot tests for WIC online ordering.

View Resource

Date Added
February 9, 2021

Citation
Zimmer M, Beaird J, Anderson Steeves E. (2020) "WIC Participants’ Perspectives About Online Ordering and Technology in the WIC Program" Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, Research Brief. Available online: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jneb.2020.10.001%20