Vendors' Perceptions and Experiences with WIC Online Shopping Implementation

Mayra Crespo-Bellido; Elizabeth Anderson Steeves; Jennie L Hill; Sarah Kersten; Allison Magness Nitto

doi:10.1016/j.cdnut.2024.102084

Vendors' Perceptions and Experiences with WIC Online Shopping Implementation

Curr Dev Nutr. 2024 Jan 27;8(2):102084. doi: 10.1016/j.cdnut.2024.102084. eCollection 2024 Feb.

Authors

Mayra Crespo-Bellido¹, Elizabeth Anderson Steeves¹, Jennie L Hill^{1

2}, Sarah Kersten¹, Allison Magness Nitto¹

Affiliations

¹ Gretchen Swanson Center for Nutrition, Omaha, NE, United States.
² Division of Health System Innovation and Research, Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.

Abstract

Background: Online shopping (OS) holds promise for improving the shopping experience for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). However, little is known about vendors' perspectives on implementing OS in the context of WIC.

Objectives: The present study aimed to understand vendors' experiences, needs, and barriers to WIC OS implementation.

Methods: We recruited vendors at various stages of WIC OS planning and implementation (n = 16). Semistructured interviews were conducted, transcribed, and coded using subconstructs of the i-PARIHS framework domains (e.g., Characteristics of the Innovation, recipient, context, and facilitation) to assess determinants related to adoption and implementation of WIC OS among vendors.

Results: Interviewees represented various organizations, including local (n = 5), regional (n = 4), and national (n = 5) entities, along with enablement platforms (n = 2). The interviews yielded themes related to experiences planning and implementing a WIC OS system (n = 7) and perceived needs and barriers (n = 3). Vendors drew on prior experiences with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) OS to inform WIC OS projects, stressing the importance of building relationships and collaborating, particularly in technical partnerships, during WIC OS implementation. They also highlighted the value of leveraging existing OS systems to implement WIC OS projects, discussed WIC OS perceived benefits, emphasized the role of educating staff and participants on its usage, and valued WIC OS implementation guidance provided by WIC agencies. Needs and barriers for vendors contemplating WIC OS implementation included the need for evidence of successful implementation of WIC OS projects, understanding current regulatory implications, and appraising existing priorities and financial considerations for adopting and implementing WIC OS.

Conclusions: WIC OS innovations are integral to modernizing the federal food assistance program. The present study highlights the role of vendor engagement, collaboration, guidance from WIC agencies, and knowledge sharing in ensuring WIC OS success. These insights can inform how WIC State agencies engage vendors to implement WIC OS.

Keywords: WIC; implementation science; nutrition assistance; online shopping; retailers.