California WIC Participants Report Favorable Impacts of the COVID-Related Increase to the WIC Cash Value Benefit

Catherine E. Martinez (), Lorrene D. Ritchie, Danielle L. Lee, Marisa M. Tsai, Christopher E. Anderson and Shannon E. Whaley
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Catherine E. Martinez: Division of Research and Evaluation, Public Health Foundation Enterprises (PHFE) WIC, a Program of Heluna Health, Irwindale, CA 91706, USA
Lorrene D. Ritchie: Nutrition Policy Institute, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California, Oakland, CA 94607, USA
Danielle L. Lee: Nutrition Policy Institute, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California, Oakland, CA 94607, USA
Marisa M. Tsai: Nutrition Policy Institute, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California, Oakland, CA 94607, USA
Christopher E. Anderson: Division of Research and Evaluation, Public Health Foundation Enterprises (PHFE) WIC, a Program of Heluna Health, Irwindale, CA 91706, USA
Shannon E. Whaley: Division of Research and Evaluation, Public Health Foundation Enterprises (PHFE) WIC, a Program of Heluna Health, Irwindale, CA 91706, USA

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 17, 1-15

Abstract: The United States Department of Agriculture approved an increase to the Cash Value Benefit (CVB) for the purchase of fruits and vegetables issued to participants receiving an eligible Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) food package. In order to understand satisfaction, perceptions, and the overall impact of additional benefits for fruits and vegetables at the household level, a qualitative study consisting of structured phone interviews was conducted with families served by WIC in Southern California from November to December 2021 (n = 30). Families were selected from a large longitudinal study sample (N = 2784); the sample was restricted by benefit redemption and stratified by language and race. WIC participants were highly satisfied with the CVB increase, reporting increased purchasing and consumption of a variety of fruits and vegetables. Respondents noted the improved quality and variety of fruits and vegetables purchased due to the increased amount. Findings are expected to inform policy makers to adjust the CVB offered in the WIC food package with the potential to improve participant satisfaction and increase participation and retention of eligible families with benefits from healthy diets supported by WIC.

Keywords: WIC; diet; fruit and vegetables; diet quality; CVB; satisfaction; WIC foods; WIC benefits; nutrition; food cost (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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