Why Should I Refer?
WIC is one of the nation’s most successful and cost-effective nutrition intervention programs.
Parents state that their pediatrician could influence their decision to sign up and continue to use WIC benefits
- Families report high levels of trust in their pediatricians
and turn to the pediatrician most often for advice about their children’s physical and emotional well-being - Parents reported they would be more likely to sign up for food assistance programs if their pediatrician told them they were eligible
- Parents of color were even more likely to say this than white parents
- In a DC AAP Needs Assessment, parents stated they would continue to use WIC benefits if there was better bi-directional communication between their provider and WIC staff
The WIC Program:
WIC Underutilization
- WIC enrollment remains suboptimal.
- This underutilization has no single cause but has occurred despite adequate funding to serve all eligible applicants.
WIC Shortfall
For more detailed information on current coverage* rates, click here
*WIC coverage rates show the share of eligible people who participated in the program during a calendar year
Source
Eligible Low-Income Children Missing Out on Crucial WIC Benefits During Pandemic
Ages of WIC Underutilization and How a Pediatrician Can Help
- coverage rates* are lowest for non-infant children and pregnant women
- coverage rates* decline as a child ages from 1 to 4 years of age
- Pediatricians have a unique touchpoint with eligible populations to educate and refer to WIC and bridge this gap
Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Service National and State Level Estimates of WIC Eligibility and Program Reach in 2021
WIC coverage rates show the share of eligible people
who participated in the program during a calendar year.