The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) increased the Cash-Value Benefit (CVB) for fruits and vegetables in 2021. Although WIC participants reported increased purchasing, consumption, and variety of fruits and vegetables after the CVB increase, it is unknown whether this resulted in higher fruit and vegetable intake relative to nonparticipants. The objective of this study was to estimate differences in fruit and vegetable behaviors and total diet quality by WIC participation status in a convenience sample of children aged 1 to 4 years who participated in the Understanding Pandemic WIC-Waivers: Access, Redemption, Disparities (UPWARD) study. From January 2024 to February 2025, caregivers of 280 Massachusetts children proxy-reported their child’s intake after the CVB increase via a frequency-based dietary screener and 24-hour recalls. WIC-participating children aged 1 to 4 years consumed fruits a mean (SE) of 4.0 (1.2) more times per week (P < .01) and consumed 0.6 (0.4) cups more fruits per day (P < .001) than nonparticipating children. WIC children also consumed vegetables a mean (SE) of 2.5 (0.9) more times per week (P < .01), although there was no difference in vegetable intake (mean [SE], -0.02 [0.3] cup-equivalents; P > .05), There were no differences in toddler or child diet quality by WIC participation status, although power was limited in these age-stratified models. After the CVB increase, WIC-participating children consumed fruits and vegetables more often and consumed higher quantities of fruits than nonparticipants.
Published: October 2026
ID #: 283-5114
Journal: J Acad Nutr Diet
Authors: Zimmer M, Mozaffarian RS, Rimm EB, Gago CM, Fung TT, Leung CW, Kenney EL
Focus Areas: Early Childhood, Nutrition Policy & Programs
Keywords: Fruits and vegetables, Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Resource Type: Journal Article
State: Massachusetts
Age Groups: Pregnant women, infants and toddlers (ages 0 to 2), Preschool-age children (ages 3 to 5)
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