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Major policy changes in WIC voucher provision for a wide range of healthy foods has the potential to impact the more than eight million U.S. families that receive WIC benefits as well as the food environment in low-income neighborhoods. In December 2008, investigators began conducting baseline research about the food choices that WIC participants make, the availability of healthy foods in corner stores and supermarkets, and the challenges facing small store owners/managers with the voucher changes. With this study, investigators will repeat the survey of food stores after the voucher changes take effect in order to assess their impact on the availability of fruits and vegetables, whole-grain foods and other foods included in the new WIC package. Research methods will include surveys of food stores and semi-structured interviews and focus groups with store managers and owners.
Start Date: November 2009
ID #: 66953
Principal Investigator: Amy Hillier, MSW, PhD
Co-Principal Investigator: Jacqueline McLaughlin, MS, RD
Organization: University of Pennsylvania
Funding Round: Round 4
Age Groups: Adults and Families, Preschool-age children (ages 3 to 5)
Race/Ethnicity: African American or Black, Latino(a) or Hispanic, Multi-racial/ethnic
Keywords: Corner store, Fruits and vegetables, Geographic information systems, Grocery store, Neighborhood, Spanish language, Supermarket, Urban, Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Focus Areas: Food Access, Nutrition Policy & Programs
Resource Type: Grant Summary
State: Pennsylvania
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