Effects of special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children (WIC) participtation on household food availability

Public health messages have focused on the health benefits of consuming more fruits and vegetables. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a needs-based program that offers nutrition education and a food supplement or voucher. This study assesses the effect that WIC participation has on availability of healthy food. Additionally, this study accounts for potential nonrandom selection bias into WIC by employing techniques that address self-selection bias. The data were drawn from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007-10 Consumer Behavior Survey. Results from switching regression equations reveal that WIC participation is negatively associated with fruit and dark leafy green vegetable availability at home. More research needs to be conducted on the effects of WIC participation on household food availability.