A qualitative exploration of Spanish-speaking Latina women ’s experiences participating in WIC before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

Over one third of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) participants identify as Latino, but participation has been declining and individuals that predominantly speak Spanish face additional barriers to participation. During the pandemic, there were changes in WIC eligibility and benefits that may have been differentially accessible to Spanish-speaking Latina participants due to factors such as language barriers and lack of awareness of changes. Understanding Spanish-speaking Latinas ’ experiences with the WIC program generally and during the pandemic can inform efforts to equitably implement future emergency food response policies and improve the WIC program and Latina participant enrollment more broadly.

Source: Journal of the American Dietetic Association - March 8, 2024 Category: Nutrition Authors: Carlos Roberto Soto D íaz, Lindsey Smith Taillie, Isabella C.A. Higgins, Ana Paula C. Richter, Cassandra R. Davis, Molly De Marco, Marissa G. Hall, Shu Wen Ng, Emily W. Duffy Source Type: research