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

Author

Listed:
  • 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Catherine E. Martinez & Lorrene D. Ritchie & Danielle L. Lee & Marisa M. Tsai & Christopher E. Anderson & Shannon E. Whaley, 2022. "California WIC Participants Report Favorable Impacts of the COVID-Related Increase to the WIC Cash Value Benefit," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(17), pages 1-15, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:17:p:10604-:d:897366
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gleason, Stacy & Pooler, Jennifer, 2011. "The Effects of Changes in WIC Food Packages on Redemptions," Contractor and Cooperator Reports 312391, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.
    2. Leibtag, Ephraim & Kumcu, Aylin, 2011. "The WIC Fruit and Vegetable Cash Voucher: Does Regional Price Variation Affect Buying Power?," Economic Information Bulletin 291947, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.
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    Cited by:

    1. Bailey Houghtaling & Matthew Greene & Kaustubh V. Parab & Chelsea R. Singleton, 2022. "Improving Fruit and Vegetable Accessibility, Purchasing, and Consumption to Advance Nutrition Security and Health Equity in the United States," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(18), pages 1-12, September.
    2. Hodges, Leslie & Toossi, Saied & Todd, Jessica E. & Ryan-Claytor, Cayley, 2024. "The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): Background, Trends, and Economic Issues, 2024 Edition," Economic Information Bulletin 341637, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.

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