Exploring the Impact of the New WIC Food Package on Low-Fat Milk Consumption Among WIC Recipients: A Pilot Study

Objective. To examine if the mothers and their eldest child participating in WIC would accept the 2009 new Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program package and drink more low-fat milk. Methods. Mothers and their eldest child at two Atlanta WIC clinics were recruited. Data were collected at baseline (before the new WIC package), at one week and four weeks. Results. The percentage of children consuming low-fat milk significantly increased: 41.3% at baseline, 58.8% at week one, and 79.5% at week four (p<.001). After four weeks, the mothers reported increased child’s consumption of low-fat milk vs. whole milk (AOR = 7.36; CI: 1.44–37.52). Mothers’ consumption of low-fat milk did not significantly change after introduction of the new package. Conclusions. Policy changes for WIC vouchers were implemented to encourage mothers to reduce fat calories in dairy products for them and their children. This represents a powerful, low-resource intervention to change health behaviors among low-income families.