Herbal education is reasonable and necessary for Food Stamp program participants

Abstract

Previous research revealed widespread use of herbals by caregivers and children attending the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).1This project developed a technology‐based herbal program for WIC clinics and examined participant response. Information about 5 most frequently used herbs 1 (garlic, peppermint, ginger, Echinacea, cranberries) formed the basis of a program delivered by digital photo receiver (DPR). WIC staff and target audience helped develop the herbal DPR program and materials for recruitment and assessment. Prior to planned statewide dissemination, responses from 282 (N=26 male) WIC clients (78.6% < 36 years) attending 2 urban and 2 rural clinics were examined. Only 27.3% had no experience with herbal use for themselves or their children; 47.5% were current herbal users. The herbal program was useful for 98.5% and liked by 93.2%; a take away information card was useful for 93.8%. Food Stamp program (FSP) participation was reported by 37.3%; participation increased to 56.4% when including prior food stamp use. FSP participation was associated (P=.04) with current herbal use; 52.5% of FSP participants used herbals compared to 40.2% for persons never participating in FSP. Child mean herbal use was higher with FSP experience (1.26 ±1.28 vs. 0.82 ± 1.26 herbals; P=.004). A trend for FSP participants to learn new information from the DPR herbal program (82.1% vs. 73.5% for non‐FSP; P=.09) combined with widespread herbal use suggests herbal education for FSP participants is reasonable and necessary.Funded by the Pennsylvania Nutrition Education Tracks, a part of USDA's Food Stamp Program.