Evaluating the Efficacy and Sustainability of a WIC Pilot Project: Targeting Participant Satisfaction and Benefit Redemption

Abstract

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a program that aims to provide nutrition assistance to those who qualify based on income and are at nutritional risk. While WIC provides resources for nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and food benefits, participants are not always aware of what is available through their WIC food packages. This project aimed to develop and distribute educational materials to at least fifteen WIC participants in the Tidewater region, assess their efficacy, and evaluate the sustainability of this pilot project for future use. Program materials included two cooking demonstration videos, a weekly meal plan, meal preparation ideas, and a recorded webinar, which were promoted through flyers distributed by WIC staff during appointments. Interested participants received the materials via email. The materials aimed to address participant satisfaction with WIC services and perceived ability to redeem benefits efficiently each month. Evaluation of this project included surveys distributed to participants and key stakeholders, including WIC staff members and Peninsula Health Center (PHC) supervisors. This pilot project reached fourteen participants and collected one response from the participant evaluation survey. Based on the respondent’s feedback, their satisfaction with the WIC food package, confidence in its nutritional adequacy, and confidence in preparing balanced meals remained the same. Through the stakeholder evaluation survey, WIC staff indicated the program materials were effective, aligned with project goals, and were appropriate for the target population, supporting the sustainability of this pilot project. In the future, alternative data collection strategies might help increase participant feedback.