The following report addresses actions taken by FNS to comply with the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021 which directed USDA to establish a Task Force to study measures to streamline the redemption of WIC benefits in a manner that promotes convenience, safety, and equitable access to WIC supplemental foods for participants in the WIC program.
FNS awards grants, on a competitive basis, to test innovative projects that have the potential to improve and enhance the WIC program. Grants have traditionally been awarded to support state agencies in their efforts to streamline WIC services, delivery quality nutrition education to WIC participants, and improve customer service.
Enrollment for the WIC Program in April 2018 totaled 7,837,672. Of this total, Whites accounted for 58.81%, Blacks/African Americans 21.54%, American Indian/Alaskan Natives 8.88%, Multiple Race 6.08%, Asians 3.78%, Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders 0.81%.
Phase II was a methodological study, conducted in six sites during 2015–2016, to test an approach to determine its feasibility for a national evaluation.
The USDA Food and Nutrition Service’s 1990 WIC Medicaid Study I found that prenatal WIC participation was associated with improved birth outcomes and savings in Medicaid costs. A 2003 study by Buescher, et al., found that WIC participation during childhood was associated with increased health care utilization and Medicaid costs, and concluded that WIC enhanced children’s linkages to the health care system.
Enrollment for the WIC Program in April 2002 totaled 8,016,916. Of this total, Hispanics accounted for 3,051,969 (38%), Whites 2,874,155 (36%), Blacks 1,621,914 (20%), Asian/Pacific Islanders 277,965 (4%), American Indian/Alaska Native 114,566 (1%).
Enrollment for the WIC Program in April 2004 totaled 8,586,487. Of this total, Hispanics accounted for 3,362,959 (39%), Whites 2,987,147 (35%), Blacks 1,715,294 (20%), Asian/Pacific Islanders 261,342 (3%), American Indian/Alaska Native 133,191 (2%).
Enrollment for the WIC Program in April 2006 totaled 8,772,216. Of this total, Whites accounted for 4,849,557 (55.28%), Blacks 1,715,433 (19.56%), American Indian 1,344,422 (15.33%), Multiple Race 256,244 (2.92%), Asian 255,629 (2.91%), Hawaiian/Pacific Islander 68,598 (.78%).
Enrollment for the WIC program in April 2008 totaled 9,537,897. Of this total, Whites accounted for 5,753,002 (60.30%), Blacks 1,868,090 (19.58%), American Indian 1,090,454 (11.43%), Multiple Race 346,819 (3.64%), Asian 256,506 (2.67%), Hawaiian/Pacific Islander 79,738 (.84%).