Pandemic-Era WIC Participation in Wilmington, Delaware: Participants’ Experiences and Challenges

Abstract

Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) participants faced unprecedented challenges during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic including financial concerns, a national infant formula shortage, and rising food costs. To mitigate these challenges, the United States Department of Agriculture implemented WIC program waivers and flexibilities aiming to simplify program operations (e.g., remote appointments and food package substitutions). However, little is known about WIC participants’ perceptions of these changes and their impact on in-store benefit redemption. As such, this study aimed to characterize how pandemic-related events impacted Delaware WIC participants’ shopping experiences and program perceptions. The authors conducted semi-structured interviews with 51 WIC participants in Wilmington, Delaware. Survey measures included demographic questions, the Hunger Vital Sign, and open-ended questions regarding WIC program participation experiences during the pandemic. Data were analyzed using a hybrid inductive and deductive coding approach. The results demonstrate that WIC participants benefitted from the pandemic program’s flexibilities. However, they continued to experience burdensome shopping trips as well as concerns about their ability to feed their families due to infant formula shortages and inflation. These findings indicate the importance of extending existing WIC flexibilities and providing continued support for both participants and WIC-authorized retailors.

Latina Mothers' Infant Feeding Experiences During the 2022 Formula Shortage

“…Preliminary research found that the shortage increased stress, and some women even reported panic attacks. 39,42 The findings from this study emphasize the importance of nurses and other lactation professionals using reflexive listening to support their postpartum patients and considering their mental health when making recommendations about infant feeding. 43 Implementing universal patient-centered and trauma-informed care into lactation care is considered best practice and may help mitigate the effects of stress and allow patients to feel respected and like they have autonomy in their feeding decisions.…”

“…Another study found that WIC participants were not clear on the substitution options and could not benefit from them. 39 In future emergencies, it will be important to ensure that communication about changes in WIC benefits be clear and shared in participants' native languages. In addition, it may be helpful for providers to consider availability of products in their recommendations about formula type.…”

“…Although the WIC rules for accessing formula were relaxed in response to the shortage,23 mothers in this study felt that the regulations around accessing different types of formula were a barrier to getting what they needed. Another study found that WIC participants were not clear on the substitution options and could not benefit from them 39. In future emergencies, it will be important to ensure that communication about changes in WIC benefits be clear and shared in participants' native languages.…”

“…The added stress of being potentially unable to feed their child may negatively impact women's mental health and emotional well-being. Preliminary research found that the shortage increased stress, and some women even reported panic attacks 39,42…”