Diet Quality of American Young Children by WIC Participation Status: Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999-2004.

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides nutrient-dense foods, nutrition education, and referral to health care services for low-income pregnant women, postpartum women, infants, and children up to age five who are at nutritional risk. This study uses the most recent data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for children age one to four years old to examine the diets of WIC participants and nonparticipants. A primary conclusion is that the diets of children who participate in the WIC program were generally comparable to the diets of children who do not participate. The prevalence of adequate nutrient intakes is very high for this age group. However, there are specific areas where dietary quality is in need of improvement. Recommendations include reducing children’s intakes of saturated and solid fats, sodium, and sweetened beverages, and increasing intakes of dietary fiber.