Expanding ITCA WIC reach: Encouraging SNAP participants to enroll in WIC

American Indian populations face high rates of food insecurity and nutrition-related health conditions, often living in communities with limited access to healthy, affordable foods. Participating in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) can help address these challenges as research shows that WIC participants consume healthier diets and have better health outcomes. However, only 56% of eligible individuals in Arizona currently participate in WIC. Many households eligible for both WIC and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) only participate in the latter, thereby missing out on the crucial benefits of WIC. This brief summarizes findings from our project evaluating a targeted text message intervention aimed at encouraging SNAP participants eligible for WIC to enroll in the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc. (ITCA) WIC program. ITCA WIC administers WIC for predominantly (>80%) American Indian clients on Tribal lands and urban areas. The findings from this project provide valuable insights into effective strategies for boosting program participation and could inform future efforts to support similar populations across the country.