WIC-IN-A-BOX

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To provide a collection of culturally appropriate nutrition education materials and resources that can be used with WIC participants in the District of Columbia. WIC-IN-A-BOX was a two-year project with the purpose of identifying existing nutrition education materials in the Mid-Atlantic Region WIC programs; Compiling and evaluating the materials for appropriateness for use in WIC clinics. The objectives were: 1) to identify nutrition education resources needed and 2) to provide a selection of high quality educational materials, resources, and tools that address the needs of WIC participants, considering cultural appropriateness, reading levels (less than seventh grade), and presentation. 3) to compile materials and order information in an accessible format. The project was conducted in three phases. The initial phase entailed determination of available resources and acquisition of the nutrition education materials. This was accomplished through the use of a questionnaire sent to the Mid-Atlantic WIC State programs. The responses were analyzed. The second phase of the project consisted of evaluation and assessment of the materials. More than one hundred seventy pieces of materials were collected and evaluated from the nine regional states. The materials were evaluated for reading level, cultural appropriateness, access, and format appropriateness for WIC participants. During the final phase, compilation of the selected materials, reproduction and assembly was completed. The materials were assembled into a 30”×16”×5” box for easy storage and accessibility. A detailed resource guide was included that identified and gave a brief summary of each item, the reading level, how to be used and where it could be obtained. The boxes were distributed to all local WIC agencies and to participating states in the Mid-Atlantic Region. WIC-IN-A-BOX contains high quality nutrition education materials and tools to be used with WIC participants and/or individuals with less than eighth grade reading level. The provision of pre-screened and selected nutrition education materials, which are culturally appropriate and are at appropriate reading levels for most WIC participants, has allowed WIC nutritionists to spend more time counseling and providing nutrition education.