Alignment of California WIC Participant Preferences With Proposed WIC Food Package Recommendations

Abstract

ObjectiveAssess alignment of Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) participant preferences with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine WIC child food package recommendations and compare differences by race/ethnicity. MethodsCross-sectional examination of survey responses collected between January and May 2019 from 2,993 California WIC families with children aged 1–4 years. ResultsOver half of WIC participants (56.1%) wanted an increase in the amount allocated for fruits and vegetables. Many WIC participants (69.6%) thought the amount of juice offered by WIC was just right. Overall, the majority (91.0%) wanted to substitute more fruits and vegetables for juice. Most were satisfied with the amount of beans (78.4%), peanut butter (78.7%), and milk (88.3%). Preferences differed by race/ethnicity. Conclusions and ImplicationsPreferences of California WIC participants are highly aligned with the proposed National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine changes for increasing fruits and vegetables. Notable differences by race/ethnicity suggest the need for more flexibility.