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Using mixed methods to examine participant utilization and satisfaction with fruit and vegetable vouchers and jarred baby foods in the new WIC food package
Author(s) -
Kim Loan Pham,
Whaley Shan,
Harrison Gail
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.25.1_supplement.232.5
Subject(s) - voucher , environmental health , business , food science , medicine , chemistry , accounting
The WIC program underwent a major revision to the food package, representing a significant change in the resources available to improve diet quality for a large part of the low‐income US population. The purpose of this study was to examine participant utilization and satisfaction with fruit and vegetable vouchers and jarred baby foods in the new food package, and to examine whether preferences vary between ethnic groups. Data were drawn from the California state‐wide cross‐sectional NEFPI survey of WIC participants, and qualitative interview data from a sub‐set of WIC participants. Descriptive statistics, chi‐square and thematic analyses were completed, which found high satisfaction with fruit and vegetable vouchers and jarred baby foods and statistically significant variation across ethnic groups. If given a choice about two‐thirds of all participants reported a preference for fruit and vegetable vouchers over checks for jarred baby foods. There were significant ethnic differences: almost half of all whites (45.7%) and African‐Americans (50%) preferred vouchers for fruits and vegetables over jarred baby foods, and more than two‐thirds of all Latinos (69.5%) preferred vouchers for fruits and vegetables. Narratives from participants and staff reinforce the quantitative findings which suggest the need to examine cultural considerations of infant feeding practices with regards to the new WIC food package. Grant Funding Source: Supported by AHA #09PRE2390123