An Evaluation of GrowNYC’s WIC X 2 for Fruits and Veggies Program By Craig Willingham C a p s t o n e s p r i n g 2 0 1 2

Capstone focus

This project evaluates the survey methods and design used to gather data FROM A CONVENIENCE

SAMPLE using the incentive program WIC X 2

The surveys were meant to gauge the influence of the program on WIC participants,

farmers, and the surrounding communities

USDA Women, Infants &

Children

Since 1972 the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), has helped millions of Americans avoid

hunger and malnutrition.

WIC Distribution Path

Background & Significance During the recent economic downturn WIC participation

has increased 0.6% between 2009 and 2010.

demographic and dietary trends, coupled with increased incidences of diet related illness has lead the USDA to look for new ways to encourage healthy eating through WIC

the poor economy has meant greater numbers of long-term users

Food Instruments

food instrument’s are special checks

given by WIC that are used to promote

Increased produce consumption

incentives Like WIC X 2 take the form of combination vouchers that, when paired with food instruments increase the consumer’s purchasing power

They can also be stand-alone produce vouchers or extra monetary allotments of benefit dollars applied to one’s EBT card.

Incentivizing healthy eating

WIC X 2 was launched at 8 Greenmarkets (urban farmers’ markets) in New York City in 2o11

Wholesome Wave, a national non-profit whose mission is to increases access to fresh, locally

grown produce, provided program funds

Program & Partnerships

Wic X 2 doubles the purchasing power for anyone using WIC’s Cash Value Vouchers (CVV).

CVV is a component of WIC that provides $6 and $10 vouchers for the exclusive purchase of

fruits and vegetables.

WIC X 2 incentive structure

The Aim is to incentive the sale and consumption of fresh produce

Market area

Bronx Borough hall Lincoln Hospital Astoria Elmhurst Corona Sunset park Borough Park St. George

no f or v in

24.5% 11.1%

10.1% 19.6% 7.7% 12.1%

24 hours % diabetes

13% 8.8%

8.8% 8.5% 8.5% 11.7%

% Obese

32% 17.1%

18% 32.9% 18.5% 23.9%

CVV

17,553 3,248

8,523 2,084 12,695 2,576

Market Area background

Sources: NYC DOHMHand NYSDOH

Table 1. How important are the WIC X 2 coupons in getting you to spend your food stamps or WIC CVV at this farmers market instead of elsewhere?

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 % Of Respondents

Slightly Important

Very Important

Moderately Important

Not at all Important

Total number of respondents: 118

78%

14%

3%

5%

Survey Results

Increased Greatly

Increased Some

Stayed the Same

Decreased Same

Decreased Greatly

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60

Table 2. As a result of shopping at the farmers market this season, my consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables has?

58%

29%

11%

1%

1%

Discussion & Limitations

Possible “self-selection” versus true behavior change in the Sample

Data compiled in aggregate form & not Market by Market

Lack of data on education levels and psychosocial factors

Flesch-Kinkade readability score possibly too high

sharp refinement of the WIC X 2 survey design is needed due to several issues…

Overall, the survey’s findings support the need to investigate further the impact that programs like WIC X 2 can have on increasing produce

consumption. However, some changes are recommended

Conclusion & Recommendations

1. Use Bloom’s Taxonomy to measure successful program implementation

2. Pre & Post Program surveys should be in place

4. Promotion of increased CVV Redemption

3. Measurement of the variety and servings of produce consumed

Evaluation interns Wholesome Wave Data processors Respondents GrowNYC Staff Surveys in various languages Survey incentive vouchers Capstone Student

Refine evaluation

surveys

Interns recruit CVV

recipients to take

surveys

Respondents self

administer surveys

Distribute 2 dollar

vouchers to survey

takers

Collected data sent

to Wholesome Wave

for aggregation

Wholesome Wave

aggregated data

analyzed for

capstone project

Surveys

Customized for

GrowNYC

Data collected

from 157

respondents

Survey incentive

vouchers

reimbursed by

Wholesome Wave

GrowNYC and

Wholesome Wave

have access to

data on program

participants

14 questions

answered by

respondents

related to WIC X

2’s effect on

consumer health

and economic

impact

Capstone project

completed

GrowNYC uses data to better serve their customers. Funding is secured to continue programs like WIC X 2 based on the data collected Customers continue to participate in incentive programs Increase in the number of incentive program partnerships for both Wholesome Wave and GrowNYC Improved effectiveness for incentive programs Improved survey design and methods based on capstone recommendations

More studies on

the effectiveness

of incentive

programs

Better health

outcomes for

program

participants

Permanent

support for

incentive

programs from

food assistance

agencies

Input (resources) Impact (goals)

Short and medium term outcomes

Outputs

Activities

acknowledgements

Dr. Arlene Spark

Alexis Stevens/grownyc

Capstone Faculty

NYSDOH Foil office