Document Type

Poster

Date of Original Version

3-27-2026

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) improve food security, nutrition, and overall health for low income pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and young children in the U.S. However, continuous participation and retention drop as children age in the WIC program. Very few studies have assessed these challenges faced by caregivers from the perspectives of the WIC staff. We therefore explored perspectives of WIC staff on caregivers’ participation and early dropout from WIC. Methods: We conducted in-depth interviews among 3-4 staff from each of the major WIC agencies in Rhode Island (n=20). By using a deductive analytic approach, we developed a codebook grounded in the consolidated framework for implementation research. Results: The main facilitators for enrolment are referrals from healthcare providers and positive WIC testimonials from peers. Barriers to enrolment included immigration status, poor outreach strategies, and low social media presence. WIC staff described continuous participation as related to positive WIC experiences, infant formulas, online appointments and referrals to healthcare and other services. WIC staff attributed early dropout to transportation, the busy schedule of caregivers for in-person appointments, food benefits inflexibility, and other low-demanding federal assistance programs. Conclusion: Mobile clinics, outreach, and food package modifications may improve WIC participation and retention in Rhode Island. Further studies are needed to explore the effectiveness of these strategies on various WIC outcomes. Keywords: Barriers, Community partners, Facilitators, Rhode Island, WIC staff WHAT IS KNOWN ON THIS SUBJECT: Previous research suggests several factors contribute to early drop-out, including stigma associated with those benefiting from government assistant programs, dissatisfaction with the food package, reduction in food benefit value at the child’s first birthday, lack of time and transportation to access appointments, common misconceptions around eligibility, immigration status and cultural barriers. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS: This qualitative study advances the WIC utilization literature by providing comprehensive, state-specific evidence on competing priorities and identifying system-integration intervention points to support equity-focused WIC program redesign particularly in Rhode Island.

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