LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A recent study by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences shows how proper nutrition can ease food insecurity and infant mortality in the state.
University researchers said participation in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is the second lowest in the nation for Arkansas at 35%. The national participation average from the program, which provides free healthy foods, breastfeeding support, nutrition education and other benefits, is 51%.
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Researchers pointed out that, according to the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Arkansas ranks among the worst for maternal mortality and food insecurity.
Officials said in one study that researchers analyzed national WIC participation among various racial and ethnic groups. In another study, researchers interviewed bilingual community health workers from Arkansas, who are trusted members of their communities and help individuals and families access health and social services, to evaluate the barriers that community members face when accessing WIC benefits…