Conclusion

Demonstration studies, despite some methodological limitations, provide  program managers and policymakers with some useful information about  the types of WIC nutrition service interventions that can have positive  impacts on participants. However, only one recent demonstration study  provides any information on the costs associated with implementing  various interventions. Given the limited resources available to provide WIC  nutrition services, information about the costs to provide effective services  could play a critical role in managers’ decisions to implement the  intervention and policymakers’ decisions about funding the intervention.
What GAO Found

Despite methodological limitations, demonstration studies provide program managers and policymakers with some useful information on the types of Special Supplemental Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) nutrition service interventions that can have positive results for participants. However, only one recent demonstration study provides any information on the costs associated with implementing various interventions. Given the limited resources available to provide WIC nutrition services, information on the costs to provide effective services could play a critical role in managers' decisions to implement the intervention and policymakers' decisions on funding the intervention.