Access to WIC benefits typically requires an in-person visit to a WIC center, however this became a challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic due to recommendations for social distancing to minimize and prevent the spread of the virus. As a result, in-person requirements were removed for all visits, except first time enrollment visits, and participants were able to renew their benefits and have nutrition consultations virtually. This reduced the risk of exposure in WIC offices and public transport, and also eliminated logistical challenges associated with in-person visits. This brief presents findings from a rapid-response study examining patient satisfaction and preferences with regard to virtual WIC visits in New York City during the period from July 2020 to October 2020. The study aimed to weigh the pros and cons of phone visits by examining missed appointments, acceptability, and preferences. It found that the “no-show” rate was reduced by 45% during this time, phone appointments were highly rated, and nearly three quarters of participants surveyed preferred virtual visits.
Published: July 2021
Publisher: Healthy Eating Research
Authors: Mclean M, Haynes L, Tkachenko O, Hennessey Z
State: New York
Focus Area: Nutrition Policy & Programs
Age Groups: Pregnant women, infants and toddlers (ages 0 to 2), Preschool-age children (ages 3 to 5)
Resource Type: Research Brief
Keyword: Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Related Research
June 2025
Changes in SNAP Participation and Food Expenditures for Households with Children During the Pandemic
The purposes of this research were to explore the characteristics of households with children that joined SNAP after substantial changes were made to the program in the early stages of the pandemic and to learn how the changes affected food purchases. The research team used household-based scanner data to assess demographic characteristics and food purchase MoreFebruary 2025
Consumption of the Food Groups with the Revised Benefits in the New WIC Food Package: A Scoping Review
On 18 April 2024, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) published the first food package changes to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in over a decade, which reduced some food benefits (juice, milk, canned fish, and infant fruits and vegetables) and offered substitutes (cash-value vouchers (CVVs) or cash-value MoreJanuary 2025