THURS-013 - Women, Infant, Children (WIC) Food Package Changes: What Families Are Choosing in Central Illinois
Thursday, April 23, 2026
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM PST
Location: Plaza Foyer, Plaza Level
Area of Responsibility: Area IV: Evaluation and Research Keywords: Health Policy@@@Maternal and Child Health@@@Nutrition, Subcompetencies: 4.4.6 Synthesize findings. 4.4.7 Develop recommendations based on findings., 4.4.5 Identify implications for practice. Research or Practice: Practice
Professor Eastern Illinois University Charleston, Illinois, United States
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this session, participants will be able to:
Identify at least three implications of the 2025 WIC food package revisions for local public health practice, including impacts on client choice, communication, and program delivery.
Synthesize key findings from client selection data and case manager interviews to propose strategies for improving WIC participant engagement and satisfaction.
Assess operational challenges and opportunities associated with implementing the 2025 WIC food package revisions at the local level.
Brief Abstract Summary: Discover the rationale behind recent changes to the WIC Infant Food Packages, what those changes mean for families, and how participants and case managers are experiencing the transition. In 2022, USDA proposed a rule to revise the WIC food packages; those revisions were finalized and implemented in Illinois in October 2025. This presentation will share early findings from one local health department with a large caseload, highlighting what WIC families are choosing under the new options, what items are being requested and issued, and what proportion go unused or expire. Data from WIC software will be paired with insights from case manager interviews to provide both quantitative and qualitative perspectives. Attendees will gain an understanding of how families navigate the updated food choices, how staff perceive the impact on program delivery, and what these changes suggest for future practice and policy.
Detailed abstract description: WIC is one of the most impactful nutrition programs for infants and families, and its food packages have recently undergone major revisions. With the new USDA guidelines finalized and Illinois beginning implementation in October 2025, health professionals are eager to understand how these changes affect both families and staff. This session goes beyond policy updates to show real-world data and experiences from one local health department. Attendees will: Learn what food items families are selecting, requesting, or leaving unused. Hear case managers’ perspectives on how the changes are shaping service delivery and client engagement. Recognize challenges and opportunities in helping families maximize their benefits. Gain insight into how these findings can inform future practice, outreach, and advocacy.
By combining quantitative data with frontline staff insights, this session offers a well-rounded picture of how WIC changes are unfolding on the ground, offering knowledge that participants can apply in their own programs and communities.
