The effect of WIC supplemental feeding on birth weight: a case-control analysis

Abstract

Extant data from prenatal patients in Massachusetts were analyzed to evaluate the effects of WIC supplemental feeding on birth outcomes. A total of 418 pairs of WIC and non-WIC women were directly matched for racial/ethnic group, age, parity, marital status, and income. Participation in WIC supplemental feeding appears to have a positive effect on pregnancy outcome. Participation in WIC is associated with a 107 g increase in mean birth weight (p = 0.012) and a 4.0% decrease in the incidence of low birth weight (p = 0.059). Teenage, Black, and Hispanic women show similar, if not stronger, benefits.