Formula and Milk Food Insecurity Among Infants and Children in WIC Families

Written by Shannon D. Simonovich, Maria Pineros-Leano, Kristen N. Hench, Brandon Meline, & Karen M. Tabb

doi: https://doi.org/10.13178/jnparr. 2020.10.02.1006

Abstract

Background: Considerable research has demonstrated that participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program has a dose-response relationship in improving health outcomes during pregnancy and early childhood. However, literature about the persistence of food insecurity in WIC families is scant and no known study to date has described food insecurity amongst the most vul-
nerable WIC clients, infants, and toddlers from the perspective of public health program providers.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine food insecurity amongst infants and toddlers enrolled in WIC programming, including access to formula and milk, as described by providers.

Methods: This study employed a qualitative, descriptive design. During January 2018, four focus group interviews were conducted with public health providers representing diverse non-metropolitan WIC servicing public health districts in a Midwestern state. Study participants (n = 24) were comprised of interdisciplinary public health providers including social workers, nurses, nutritionists, and ancillary staff. All interviews utilized a semi-structured guide, were audio recorded, transcribed, and verified. NVivo 11.4.2 software was employed for qualitative thematic analysis.

Results: Four key themes emerged, including (1) defining and describing formula and milk food insecurity in WIC families with infants and toddlers, (2) food-altering behaviors of families experiencing formula and milk food insecurity, (3) management behaviors of families experiencing formula and milk food insecurity, and (4) WIC providers’ perspectives on formula and milk food insecurity’s impact on WIC program participation.

Conclusion: This study brings attention to the formula and milk food insecurity experienced by infants and toddlers, presenting a critical public health issue impacting the growth and development of at-risk pediatric populations. These findings have important implications for future public health policy and programmatic development.

Keywords: food insecurity, pediatric, infants, low-income, WIC