FRAC Statement
New Study from USDA Shows WIC’s Contribution to Healthy Lives
Participation in the federal Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program is not linked to childhood obesity, according to a new report - WIC and the Battle Against Childhood Overweight - released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). In fact, the report points out WIC can help combat childhood obesity by encouraging consumption of healthier foods.
General rates of childhood obesity in America have risen over the past twenty years, and now one out of every five children (ages 2 to 5) is at risk of being overweight. The report, however, found that body weight was not associated with WIC participation. The one exception was a study of girls conducted in 1988-94 that found WIC participants were less likely to be at risk of overweight when compared to moderate-income children.
Commenting on the report, Jim Weill, president of the Food Research and Action Center, said, "This report reinforces the research that WIC has positive effects on young children’s health. As more states adopt the changes to the WIC food package, this can only further extend the program's benefits by delivering even healthier food to participants."
By October 1st, states must implement changes to the WIC food package which include the addition of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat milk, and healthy multicultural food options. To learn more about the changes, visit the WIC page on FRAC’s Web site.
Nationally, approximately nine million women, infants, and children participate in the WIC program each month. It is estimated that nearly 50 percent of all babies born in the U.S. benefit from the WIC program.
Looking ahead, Weill pointed out that the coming Child Nutrition Reauthorization also affords opportunities to bolster the positive impacts of WIC and other key child nutrition programs like school meals. "The federal child nutrition programs continue to demonstrate their effectiveness in reducing hunger and improving children's nutrition and health, and Congress must make substantial investments in these programs to build on their considerable strengths," Weill stated.
For more information, contact: Jennifer Adach, 202.986.2200 x3018
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The Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) is the leading national nonprofit organization working to improve public policies and public-private partnerships to eradicate hunger and undernutrition in the United States.
