Household purchasing of barley, buckwheat and quinoa by WIC and SNAP participation

• In Event: Interdisciplinary and multisector partnerships are key to achieving the dietary guidelines recommendations for whole grain consumption

Abstract

Despite the health benefits of fiber intake, most Americans do not meet the dietary recommendations for this nutrient. With barley, buckwheat and quinoa containing several nutrients, including fiber, integration of these foods into the American diet could improve diet quality. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) are federal food assistance programs in the United States. While the SNAP aims to improve food security of low-income households by distributing cash-like benefits that can be used for purchasing food, the WIC program provides nutritious foods to pregnant/postpartum women and 1-4-year-old children. Although previous studies have demonstrated the beneficial impact of WIC participation on whole grain purchases, it is unclear whether WIC participation is associated with greater purchasing of barley, buckwheat and quinoa, and whether this association differs by SNAP participation. The purpose of this study is to examine the association of WIC participation with barley, buckwheat and quinoa purchasing as well as whether this relationship differs by SNAP participation. We will use IRI scanner data from 2017-2018 to obtain information on household retail food purchases. Linear regression analyses will be conducted to examine the association of WIC participation with purchasing of barley, buckwheat and quinoa. Subgroup analyses by household SNAP participation will be conducted to examine whether this relationship differs by SNAP participation.

Author

• Namrata Sanjeevi, Washington State University
  Presenting Author