Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children Participation and Infants’ Growth and Health: A Multisite Surveillance Study

This article investigates associations between the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) participation and indicators of underweight, overweight, length, caregiver-perceived health, and household food security among infants ≤ 12 months of age at 6 urban health centers and clinics. In a sample of 5,923 WIC eligible caregivers, 91% were receiving WIC.  After adjusting for potential confounders, those infants who did not receive WIC because of access problems were more likely to be underweight, short, and perceived as having fair or poor health, compared to WIC assistance recipients. Infants ≤ 12 months benefit from WIC assistance and health care providers should advocate that WIC receive support to reduce waiting lists and eliminate barriers that interfere with access.