Process Evaluation of a Farm-to-WIC Intervention

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Public Health Interventions
• Agricultural Policy

Background:

• Farm-to-institution programs can improve vegetable access, but WIC-specific interventions are scarce.
• Little is known about how farm-to-WIC programs impact vegetable intake and participant satisfaction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the implementation of a farm-to-WIC intervention.
• To assess its effects on vegetable intake, knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, physical activity, and weight status.
• To measure participant satisfaction with the intervention.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study process evaluation was conducted at a WIC agency in New Jersey.
• Participants (n=297) received either the intervention or usual care.
• Data included implementation logs, surveys, objective measures of vegetable intake (dermal carotenoids), and WIC voucher redemption records.

Main Results:

• The intervention group showed higher vegetable intake and voucher redemption.
• High implementation fidelity was observed for the WIC farmers' market component (≥94%).
• Participant satisfaction was high (mean rating ≥6.8/7), with recipe demonstrations and field trips being popular.

Conclusions:

• The farm-to-WIC intervention shows promise for increasing vegetable intake and voucher use.
• Further research should explore other mechanisms of action for scalability.
• Initiatives to improve farmers' market access in underserved areas are crucial.