Assessing racial/ethnic coverage rates at the ZIP-code level for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children

Start Date: November 2023

ID #: 81358

Principal Investigator: Danielle Krobath, PhD

Co-Principal Investigator: Mei Chung, PhD, MPH, BS

Organization: Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University

Funding Round: HER Round 13

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WIC can improve maternal and childhood health and nutrition, yet only 50% of people who qualify for WIC receive benefits, with racial disparities across states. Beyond state and national estimates, less is known about zip code-level racial/ethnic coverage rates or the factors influencing program reach. This study will be the first large-scale assessment of overall and racial/ethnic coverage rates in WIC by zip code. This study has two aims: (1) to quantify 2022 racial/ethnic WIC coverage rates by zip code in 14 states across the United States, and assess environmental influences on zip code level racial/ethnic coverage rates; and (2) to understand organizational influences on racial/ethnic coverage rates via 24 Key Informant Interviews with WIC leaders. This mixed methods study builds on previous research, relationships with USDA FNS experts, and robust preexisting partnerships with WIC agencies in the USDA/Tufts THIS-WIC study.

Focus Areas: Early Childhood, Nutrition Policy & Programs

Resource Type: Grant Summary

Age Groups: Pregnant women, infants and toddlers (ages 0 to 2), Preschool-age children (ages 3 to 5)

Keyword: Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

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