There are many federally and state-assisted health and nutrition programs in the United States. You will research information about one of these programs. Select any one program from the ones listed below. Use online research to get information about the program. Describe the program briefly. Report on factors that affect the management and operation of the program. What are the guidelines for the training of staff? What are the eligibility requirements to participate in the programs? The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) The Nutrition Services Incentive Program (NSIP) The Head Start Program

I chose to research the Women, Infants, and Children program (WIC program). The WIC program provides supplemental food and nutrition education to improve the health of pregnant, breast-feeding, and postpartum women. Infants and children may also receive food assistance up to five years of age. I found that the program must adhere to standards and procedures set by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). For example, one of the standards states that participants must receive client-centered nutrition education at least two times per year. Health educators must have appropriate education, skills, and/or experience for the position and operate within their scope of practice. Staff training includes orientation, competency-based training, continuing education classes, and follow-up performance evaluations. In order to participate in WIC, participants must be pregnant, breast-feeding, or postpartum up to one year. Additionally, infants and children may be on the program up to five years of age. Furthermore, the women and/or children must be identified as being at nutritional risk, and the family must be 185 percent or below federal poverty guidelines.

The communities most affected by food insecurity are Hispanic Americans, African American households, and rural households. In 2013, one in four Hispanic and African American households was food insecure. Food assistance and nutrition programs address the ethnic disparities and combat food insecurity by providing access to nutritious food and nutrition education.

Explanation: