Variation in WIC Cash-Value Voucher Redemption Rates among American Indian Reservation Communities In Washington State

In 2009, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) food package was revised to include a cash-value voucher (CVV) for fresh fruits and vegetables. While this supplement to the WIC food package provides participants with the resources to purchase healthier foods, there is a potential mismatch to using CVVs when access to fresh fruits and vegetables is limited. Our past research reveals that access to fresh fruits and vegetables on American Indian reservations in Washington State is limited. This study, therefore, evaluated differences in the CVV redemption rate among Washington State participants by comparing the redemption rate of WIC clinics located on federally recognized tribal reservations with non-reservation based WIC clinics. Furthermore, the study evaluated redemption rates for Washington State tribes with low-access to fresh fruits and vegetables compared to those with high access, using proximity of a supermarket to the tribe’s reservation land as a measure of access.

Materials Available

• Abstract

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Project Type(s): Master's Thesis

Author(s): Kimberly C. McLaury

Program(s): Master of Public Health

Year: 2014

Adviser(s):

• Donna B. Johnson