Households using more of the most popular WIC food benefits stay in the program longer, UW study finds

Households in the WIC program that redeem more benefits in popular food categories, like fruits, vegetables, and eggs, are more likely to remain enrolled, according to a University of Washington study. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) has served low-income families for over 50 years, improving diets and medical care access while reducing premature births and infant deaths. However, many eligible families do not utilize the benefits fully, increasing their chances of dropping out of the program. Analyzing data from 188,000 infants and children ages 0-3 from 2019 to 2023, researchers found that higher redemption rates in key food categories correlated with lower dropout risks. The study emphasizes the need for WIC agencies to identify families at risk of leaving the program. Nutrition education during WIC visits could help engage these families. The findings align with recent USDA updates to WIC food packages, which have increased benefits for fresh produce. This research highlights the importance of including fruits and vegetables in WIC offerings to foster long-term participation. The study was published in JAMA Network Open and funded by The Research Innovation and Development Grants in Economics Partnership.

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