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The effect of policy change on feeding practices of infants and toddlers in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children in San Marcos, TX
Author(s) -
Reat Amanda M,
Crixell Sylvia H,
Von Bank Julia A,
Friedman BJ
Publication year - 2012
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.26.1_supplement.33.1
Subject(s) - breastfeeding , medicine , infant feeding , infant formula , serving size , pediatrics , environmental health
In 2009, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) modified food packages to address rising rates of child obesity and sub‐optimal duration of breastfeeding and offer foods that are more compatible with current dietary guidelines. We collected 24‐hour recalls (using Nutrition Data System for Research) and feeding practices data from 87 caregivers of infants (4–12 mo) and toddlers (1–2 y) in 2009 (pre‐policy change) and from 82 caregivers in 2011 (post‐policy change) to compare feeding practices. In 2011, fewer infants < 6 mo consumed infant cereal (47.1% in 2009 vs. 8% in 2011) and juice (12% in 2009 vs. none in 2011), and more infants > 6 mo consumed baby food meat (none in 2009 vs. 5% in 2011) and baby food fruit (42.4% in 2009 vs. 65% in 2011), reflecting positive changes. However, in 2011, consumption of baby food vegetables was less common among infants > 6 mo (52% in 2009 vs. 43% in 2011) and toddlers (66.7% in 2009 vs. 62% in 2011). Only 62% of toddlers consumed fruit in 2011, compared to 75% of toddlers in 2009. Our results indicate that, in this community, the WIC policy change was helpful but not sufficient to bring feeding practices into compliance with existing guidelines. This research met all Institutional Review Board guidelines and was supported by a Texas State University research enhancement grant.