Transitions into and out of the WIC Program: A Cause for Concern?

Despite the health benefits that can be achieved by participating in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), many eligible households do not participate in WIC during pregnancy, and others exit after a child turns 1 year old. This research analyzes data from the first two waves of the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Birth Cohort, to advance understanding of transitions into and out of WIC. The findings suggest that participants who exhibit better economic health across a variety of dimensions are more likely to delay entry into the program or to exit after a child turns 1 year of age.