WIC Weekly Update

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December 28, 2022

IMPORTANT

Omnibus Bill Passed by Congress

On December 23, Congress passed an omnibus spending package that included $6 billion in funding for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), including an extension of enhanced fruit and vegetable benefits through the end of the fiscal year (September 30, 2023).  Another continuing resolution was passed by Congress through Dec. 30^th to ensure time to get President Biden’s signature.  The President is expected to sign this week.  We will continue sharing updates.

Formula Waivers Update

Formula Substitution Changes

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is providing flexibilities for WIC State agencies to provide non-contract formula substitutions through February 27, 2023.

It is USDA’s expectation that the waiver flexibilities for non-contract formulas will be the final extensions.  With the formula waivers expiring in the coming months, this timeline provides an overview of the changes:

For Current Formula Substitutions

• All current formula substitutions are extended from January 31, 2023, to February 27, 2023. The website has been updated to reflect these changes.

March 1, 2023

• Mead Johnson Enfamil and Similac Soy Isomil will be the only MN WIC contract options beyond March 1, 2023. Store and non-contract formula will no longer be allowed.
• Alternate sizes for contract formula will remain available through April 30, 2023, and substitutions for medical formula will be available through June 30, 2023.

May 1, 2023

• Infants on standard Mead Johnson Enfamil formula and Similac Soy Isomil will only be allowed to purchase the exact 12 oz. can listed on their benefits.
• After May 1, medical formula substitutes will be the only remaining substitutions available through June 30, 2023.

Please watch the Weekly Update for additional information and refer to Formula Waivers Update.

USDA Food Package Updates – Share Your Comments

The USDA announced a proposed rule to revise the WIC food packages on Nov. 17.

Please refer to USDA Food Package Updates for details on the changes, recommended actions steps, and resources.

We encourage all local agencies to consider commenting on the proposed changes and encourage participants and community partners to comment as well.

• The comment period is open from Nov. 21, 2022 – Feb. 21, 2023.
• Provide direct feedback on the USDA comment platform at Regulations.gov.
• Need help crafting a comment? The National WIC Association (NWA) has sample language and resources that support WIC staff, participants, and community partners. Visit Submit Comments on the WIC Food Package to USDA for more information.

Additional Information:

• Providing public comment on federal regulations is not considered a lobbying activity.
• MDH WIC will submit comments collected from state agency staff and leadership.

HOLIDAYS

Monday, January 2 - New Year's Holiday Observed (State Office Closed)

Monday, January 16 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day (State Office Closed) 

IN THIS ISSUE

• Stay in the Know
• Nutrition and Breastfeeding
• Training Opportunities
• State and Local Agency Career Corner
• RESOURCES

Stay in the Know

Reminder: Changes to Medical Formulas Available at Local Agencies Process

Before ordering medical formula from the State Office, local agencies should see whether another local agency may have extra on-hand by reviewing the list on the new Medical Formulas Available at Local Agencies webpage (navigation: Local Agencies >> What You Need to Know… section >> Formula dropdown).

The new page includes:

• The process for ordering formula from a local agency.
• The list of extra medical formulas available.
• A new form: Add or Remove Medical Formulas Available at Local Agencies - Website List.

The form is also in the Update Website Forms dropdown (navigation: Local Agencies >> WIC Forms for Local Agencies section). This form was created to assist local agencies with notifying the State Office when they have extra medical formula on-hand to add to the list. It should also be used to remove any formula from the list once it is no longer available. Please note any updates to the webpage’s list will be made within 1-3 business days after form submission.

Nutrition and Breastfeeding

Infant Feeding Practices Survey 2022

In 2022, the Minnesota Breastfeeding Coalition, with assistance from the Minnesota Department of Health WIC Program, conducted its eighth Infant Feeding Practices Survey (IFPS), which asks Minnesota birthing facilities to report on their maternity care and infant feeding practices. In 2022, the facilities that completed the survey represented 85% of births in our state. This newest IFPS collected additional information on the policies and usage of donor milk within hospitals and birthing facilities. In addition, in-depth interviews with lactation care providers delved more deeply into current perceptions, practices, and concerns around donor milk.

The findings of the IFPS are summarized in the Infant Feeding Practices Survey 2022 posted on the WIC Program website.

Training Opportunities

Local Agency WIC Calendar - check out upcoming trainings and meetings.

Local agency staff should talk to their supervisor for approval before registering for training.

The Week Ahead

State and Local Agency Career Corner

Find new job opportunities on the WIC Job Postings webpage.

Submit job postings using the WIC Job Postings survey.

RESOURCES

WIC Agency Materials Order Form

Medical Formula Available at Local Agencies

WIC New Staff Training

WIC Information System Training

WIC Weekly Updates (View current and past information by date or topic.)

Reminder: MN WIC covers the cost of NWA membership for local agencies. Log in or set up your account at National WIC Association to access resources and materials. Contact Emily Gilcher at egilcher@nwica.org if you need additional information about setting up your NWA account.

Questions? Email health.wic@state.mn.us.

Feedback? Submit Question and Feedback for the Minnesota WIC Program using the online form. Select Local Agency, followed by the WIC Update topic.

Need to add staff to the WIC Weekly Update distribution list? Subscribe to Minnesota WIC Updates.

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