Food Security Status of Iowa Participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children

The food security status of participants in the Iowa Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) was studied through a written survey in April, 1997 prior to implementation of Welfare Reform measures in the state. The survey used the Radimer/Cornell hunger and food insecurity measures to identify food security status. Demographic information and participation in other food assistance and nutrition education programs was also collected. Ten percent of the active participants were randomly selected to complete the survey (n=6,700). Three thousand four hundred seventy-two participants (3,472 or 52%) completed the written survey. According to the food insecurity measures, 46.4% of respondents were food secure and 53.6% experienced some level of food insecurity. 50.5% of all respondents experienced food insecurity at the household level, 22.0% reported food insecurity at the adult level, and 5.6% reported child hunger in their family. Seventeen percent of respondents reported receiving both Food Stamps and Family Investment Program benefits (previously known as the Aid for Families with Dependent Children) and 12% received only Food Stamps. A follow-up survey is planned in 1999 to study the impact of Welfare Reform on food security status of families participating in the WIC Program. Although WIC participation is not affected by the Welfare Reform measures, food insecurity may increase as families lose benefits from other programs due to failure to meet work requirements.