Least purchased WIC-approved foods (n = 12).

Introduction
The prevalence of childhood obesity remains high in the United States, particularly among children living in low-income households. Diet quality plays an important role in obesity prevention, particularly among mothers as they serve as role models. Those served by the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) receive nutrient-rich foods aimed at increasing diet quality, yet redemption is low. Digital interventions targeting WIC parents show potential for behavior change and could be used for childhood obesity prevention.
Methods
This study describes the formative research conducted to understand perspectives on healthy eating practices, acceptance of WIC-approved foods, and preferences for the use of digital tools to improve the purchasing and consumption of WIC-approved foods to improve diet quality. In-depth interviews were conducted with 13 WIC parents and caregivers.
Results
A variety of definitions for and misconceptions about healthy eating exist among WIC caregivers. Most purchased foods were fruits, vegetables, milk, cheese, and eggs and the least purchased foods were yogurt and peanut butter. The biggest facilitator for purchasing WIC-approved foods was the preference of children and caregivers, whereas the biggest barrier was children’s picky eating behaviors. Most caregivers reported using their phone to get nutrition information. Most caregivers reported their interest in receiving weekly text messages and indicated preferences about receiving recipes.
Conclusion
A text messaging program that includes sending weekly messages, recipes, and nutrition tips is hypothesized to improve diet quality and increase redemption of WIC-approved foods.

引言
美国儿童肥胖患病率仍居高不下，低收入家庭儿童群体的相关问题尤为凸显。饮食质量对肥胖预防至关重要，而母亲作为子女的饮食榜样，其影响尤其关键。妇女、婴儿和儿童特别补充营养计划（Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children，WIC）为服务对象提供旨在提升饮食质量的营养丰富食品，但该计划的食品兑换率却偏低。针对WIC服务对象家长的数字化干预措施在行为改变方面展现出应用潜力，可用于儿童肥胖预防工作。
方法
本研究阐述了为明确健康饮食实践认知、WIC认证食品接受度，以及对使用数字化工具优化WIC认证食品采购与消费、进而提升饮食质量的偏好所开展的形成性研究。研究对13名WIC服务对象家长及照护者进行了深度访谈。
结果
WIC照护者群体对健康饮食存在多元定义与认知误区。他们采购频次最高的食品为水果、蔬菜、牛奶、奶酪与鸡蛋，最低的则为酸奶与花生酱。推动WIC认证食品采购的最大动因为儿童与照护者自身的偏好，而最大阻碍则是儿童的挑食行为。多数照护者表示会通过手机获取营养相关信息，且大多对接收每周短信内容表现出兴趣，并对食谱推送表达了具体偏好。
结论
本研究推测，包含每周短信推送、食谱分享及营养贴士在内的短信项目，可有效改善饮食质量并提升WIC认证食品的兑换率。