Optimizing Nutrition Education in WIC: Findings From Focus Groups With Arizona Clients and Staff

Abstract

Objective: To understand staff and clients' experiences with delivering and receiving nutrition education in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

Methods: Focus groups involving WIC staff, clients, and former clients in Arizona. Client and staff perceptions of WIC nutrition education, preferences, and suggestions for improvement were examined. Transcripts were analyzed using a deductive thematic approach to identify emerging themes.

Results: Findings from 10 focus groups with 25 WIC staff and 29 clients suggested that existing materials were time-consuming and unresponsive to client needs, and additional resources were needed to engage children while parents were in session; new delivery formats for nutrition education, including videos and interactive demonstrations focused on child-friendly preparations of WIC foods, were preferred.

Conclusions and implications: Collaboration among existing nutrition education programs, including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education, Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, community gardens, and Head Start, can complement and enhance WIC nutrition educations in this region.

Keywords: WIC; focus group; food assistance; nutrition education.