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Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationship between cash value benefit (CVB) redemption outcomes in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) across food processing types and socio-demographics.

Design

Cross-sectional and panel analyses.

Setting

Virginia.

Subjects

98,067 Virginia WIC households.

Measures

CVB redemption rate.

Results

The predominant share of CVB redemption was for fresh produce (77.3%). Non-Hispanic whites and blacks redeemed a smaller share of fresh produce than Hispanic participants (P < .001). Non-Hispanic black WIC households have a significantly lower CVB redemption rate than non-Hispanic white WIC households (β = −.008, P < .001). Households with a child participant tend to have a higher redemption rate (β = .01, P < .001). The redemption rates of fruits and of vegetables were positively correlated with household size.

Conclusions

Minority status and household size were significantly related to CVB redemptions among Virginia WIC participants.

Keywords

fruit and vegetable consumption benefit redemption low-income consumer food security WIC program

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Women,Infants,and Children Cash Value Benefit Redemption Choices in the Electronic Benefit Transfer Era