Influences of Fruit and Vegetable Intake among Asian Youth on Texas WIC

Objectives: This study investigates dietary behaviors of Asian preschoolers on Texas WIC using Social Cognitive Theory (SCT). Methods: Sixty- eight Asian caregivers completed the Texas Food and Nutrition Questionnaire about themselves and their child, assessing demographics, food intake, and SCT variables. Results: Most children consumed juices, fruit, vegetables, and white rice daily. There were no differences in food intake before and after WIC food package changes. While controlling for covariates, the caregiver's fruit and vegetable intake and child's outcome expectancies (p < .05) predicted the child's fruit and vegetable intake (adjusted R-2= 0.644, p < .001). Conclusions: This study adds to nutrition and behavioral theory research on low- income Asian children in Texas, especially in light of WIC food package changes.