Optimizing Nutrition Education in WIC: Findings From Focus Groups With Arizona Clients and Staff

ObjectiveTo understand staff and clients' experiences with delivering and receiving nutrition education in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).MethodsFocus groups involving WIC staff, clients, and former clients in Arizona. Client and staff perceptions of WIC nutrition education, preferences, and suggestions for improvement were examined. Transcripts were analyzed using a deductive thematic approach to identify emerging themes.ResultsFindings from 10 focus groups with 25 WIC staff and 29 clients suggested that existing materials were time-consuming and unresponsive to client needs, and additional resources were needed to engage children while parents were in session; new delivery formats for nutrition education, including videos and interactive demonstrations focused on child-friendly preparations of WIC foods, were preferred.Conclusions and ImplicationsCollaboration among existing nutrition education programs, including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program–Education, Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, community gardens, and Head Start, can complement and enhance WIC nutrition educations in this region.