WIC FRUIT & VEGETABLE INCENTIVES WORK

In 2009, WIC began to provide participants with cash-value vouchers to buy fruits and vegetables ($10 for women and $6 for children per month). A recent study shows those efforts are paying off. Before the incentives started, WIC benefits did not cover fruit, except for 100% fruit juice. Vegetables were limited to dried beans, peas, and, for breastfeeding women only, canned or fresh carrots. The incentives covered buying fresh, frozen, or canned fruit and vegetables. The study found fresh vegetables purchases increased in volume by nearly 18%, and frozen vegetables purchases increased by nearly 28%. The biggest improvements were for fresh fruit, with an increase of almost 29%.

 

Source: Yale Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity, 5/14/14, WIC Incentives