Keywords

Healthy Eating Index, nutritious eating pattern, preschool children, WIC program

 

Authors

  1. Dundas, Mary L. PhD, RD, FADA
  2. Cook, Kathleen MPH, RD

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) on the eating behaviors of preschool children. Children were selected from 7 health clinics in southeastern Idaho. Socioeconomic and dietary information was collected and analyzed from the childrens' initial and 6-month certification data. The US Department of Agriculture's Healthy Eating Index was used to evaluate eating behavior. After 6 months on the WIC Program, the mean overall Healthy Eating Index score and component scores for vegetables, fruits, and meats increased significantly.