Effect of WIC Food Package Changes on Dietary Intake of Preschool Children in New Mexico.

OBJECTIVES This study examined WIC policy change effects on dietary intake of preschool children from WIC-participating households in rural New Mexico communities. METHODS Dietary intake of children enrolled in Head Start in 8 communities was compared before and after 2009 WIC food package changes. RESULTS Following the policy change, participants reported significantly increased consumption of lower-fat milk, reduced consumption of saturated fat (grams), and decreased consumption of vegetables without potatoes. No significant differences in fruit, fruit juice, vegetables including potatoes, whole-grains and saturated fat (percent-energy) consumption were observed. CONCLUSIONS WIC policy changes have the potential to improve children's saturated fat intake. More research with robust designs is necessary to examine long-term effects of WIC policy changes.