Transitions into and out of the WIC program: A cause for concern?

grant number 2U01PE000002-04. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and should not be construed as representing the opinions or policy of the UKCPR or any agency of the Federal government. Despite the health benefits of participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), many eligible households do not participate in WIC during pregnancy and others exit WIC after a child turns one year old. This research uses the first two waves of the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Birth Cohort (ECLS-B) to advance our understanding of these transitions into and out of WIC. Findings suggest that those who exhibit better economic health across a variety of dimensions are more likely to delay entry into the program or exit after a child turns one year of age.