Impact of the WIC Program on Food Expenditures

Abstract

Abstract Participation in the WIC program tends to shift grocery expenditures in favor of more nutritious food. Dairy data show that WIC women consumed more nutrient‐dense foods than non‐WIC women. WIC women and their families spent significantly less on meals away from home than control families, suggesting a more efficient use of the food budget. WIC's impact on unintended recipients is negligible, while its impact on foods for WIC children is positive and highly significant. Recall data on monthly food expenditures indicate that total food expenditures and grocery expenditures did not increase as a result of program participation.