Redemption of Specific Categories of WIC Food Benefits and Risk of Program Discontinuation

Is redemption of specific foods from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) associated with risk of program discontinuation?In this cohort study that included 188 368 WIC participants in Southern California, a lower redemption rate for fruits and vegetables, eggs, infant formula, and whole milk—the most highly redeemed WIC foods—was significantly associated with higher risk of program discontinuation.These findings suggest that understanding the redemption patterns of participants’ most highly valued foods could assist in identifying young children at high risk for WIC program discontinuation.

Corresponding Author: Christopher E. Anderson, PhD, Department of Public Health, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, University of Tennessee, 1914 Andy Holt Ave, HPER Building, Ste 390, Knoxville, TN 37996 (cander16@utk.edu).

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