Consistent and equitable access to healthy, safe, culturally relevant, and affordable foods supports optimal health and well-being for all. Nutrition security continues to be the focus of policymakers, health advocates, and groups like Dairy Council of California, and a new study shows federal nutrition security programs can help.
The study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition examined the relationship between the redemption of Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) benefits and children’s intake of select WIC foods. Researchers analyzed the 2023 California Statewide WIC Survey, which was conducted with caregivers of WIC-participating children ages 1 to 4 years old. They concluded that a 25% higher redemption of WIC benefits led to a higher intake frequency of cereal, whole-grain bread, yogurt, and whole milk.
This is an exciting conclusion, as dairy foods offer a unique package of nutrients that work together to provide multiple health benefits for children. Nutrition during pregnancy and early childhood lays the foundation for optimal health, cognitive abilities, motor skills, and social and emotional development. In addition, consistent access to nutritious foods like milk and dairy products greatly influences brain, bone, and immune health, ensuring proper growth and development. Healthy eating can have far-reaching impacts on children’s ability to succeed in school and life, as well as reduced risk of diet-related chronic diseases.
The researchers also concluded that encouraging the use of WIC benefits, coupled with nutrition education, could enhance the dietary impacts of WIC. This study highlights the need for ongoing education on the important role of dairy foods in WIC and other federal nutrition programs.
Continuing to support WIC, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and school meals, as well as nutrition education efforts, can elevate health for children and families for generations. Join the dairy community in this goal by visiting DairyCouncilofCA.org.
