Objective: To assess the acceptability and appropriateness of a text message initiative to encourage the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) retention in Rhode Island.
Methods: English- and Spanish-speaking caregivers of WIC participants (n = 282) completed an online survey evaluating the acceptability and appropriateness of WIC-tailored text messages, and their motivation to remain in the WIC program postinitiative. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize sociodemographic characteristics and outcome measures, and to evaluate whether there were differences in responses by language using Hochberg-corrected P values. Open-ended qualitative responses were analyzed using an abductive analysis.
Results: More than 75% of survey respondents selected positive responses to 11 out of 13 survey questions, with 91% agreeing that the text messages motivated them to continue participating in WIC. Differences in the percentage of positive responses by language were observed in 8 out of 13 questions (Hochberg-corrected P < 0.04).
Conclusions and implications: WIC-tailored text messages are acceptable and appropriate to caregivers and may influence program retention.
Objective: We evaluated influences on nutrition behaviors and barriers and facilitators to accessing nutrition resources for autistic adolescents and young adults (AYAs) aged 15-25 years.
Design: Zoom semistructured interviews (30-60 minutes) using a modified community-based participatory research approach.
Setting: Urban, suburban, and rural areas in New Mexico.
Participants: Seven autistic AYAs aged 18-25 years (43% male), 7 caregivers, and 7 service providers.
Phenomenon of interest: Influences on nutrition behaviors and access to nutrition resources, guided by the social ecological model.
Analysis: Thematic analysis, validated through iterative coding and review by researchers and a community advisory board.
Results: Themes common across groups included lack of tailored nutrition programs addressing social and sensory needs, difficulties navigating traditional food environments, and financial constraints limiting access to nutrient-dense foods. Participants emphasized the value of flexible, adaptive formats-especially online and group-based-and the importance of routine, sensory considerations, and familiar foods. Caregivers and providers highlighted external influences of the school food environment and peers, and a lack of awareness of available resources.
Conclusions and implications: Findings highlight the need for structured, sensory-inclusive nutrition programs that integrate community-based and digital resources, emphasize self-efficacy, and address environmental and social influences to promote long-term healthy eating habits for autistic AYAs.
This work reports the experience of implementing a workshop on food and nutrition education using the World Cafe methodology to address food labels. The method encouraged dialogue, collective reflection, and critical understanding of the topic, contributing to more effective food and nutrition education aimed at promoting autonomous and conscious food choices. The workshop, Exploring Food Labels, was open to the public, with emphasis on university students, health care professionals, and users of the Brazilian Unified Health System. Fifteen participants aged 20-35 years voluntarily enrolled. All workshop stages are described to support educators in applying this methodology.
Objective: To explore pregnancy-specific barriers and facilitators impacting healthy eating among patients with or at risk for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP).
Methods: Pregnant people with or at risk for HDP were recruited from a large academic medical center for an electronic survey with open-ended questions. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results: Among 50 participants (mean age 31.0 ± 5.4 years, 30% Hispanic), 66% reported barriers to healthy eating. Major themes included lack of access because of determinants of health, intrinsic factors (e.g., choices, motivation), time, uncertainty about what constitutes "healthy," and preexisting medical conditions (pregnancy-related/unrelated). Most participants (67.4%) identified facilitators, including menu/grocery guidance, external support (e.g., from experts or family), discipline/routine, and improving access.
Conclusions and implications: Considering that access, education, and food preferences may hinder healthy eating, pregnant individuals with or at risk for HDP may benefit from food insecurity screening/interventions and tailored, income-specific nutritional guidance.

