Formula Redemption Patterns Among WIC Participants During the 2022 Formula Shortage
Sarah Dzubay1, Megha Arora2, Emile Latour2
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI.
Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior
|July 20, 2026
Summary
During the 2022 formula shortage, Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) participants altered their shopping behaviors. Households traveled further and shopped at more stores, indicating reduced redemption levels.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Nutrition Science
- Health Economics
Background:
- The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides crucial nutritional support.
- Formula shortages can significantly impact WIC participants' access to essential nutrition.
- Understanding redemption patterns is vital for program continuity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze WIC formula redemption patterns during the 2022 shortage.
- To compare these patterns with a pre-shortage control period.
Main Methods:
- A repeat cross-sectional descriptive analysis of WIC formula issuance and redemption data from Oregon.
- Compared 17,435 households during the 2022 shortage period with 16,766 households during the 2021 control period.
- Analyzed variables including sociodemographics, number of stores, travel distance, and redemption rates.
Main Results:
- Increased mean number of formula products purchased per household during the shortage.
- Significant increases in the number of stores visited and travel distance.
- Higher proportion of households traveling outside their home zip code for formula.
Conclusions:
- WIC households in Oregon exhibited significant behavioral changes during the 2022 formula shortage.
- These changes included altered shopping strategies and potentially reduced overall redemption.
- Findings highlight the need for robust supply chain management in WIC programs.
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