Policy updates
Policy Section 7.4: Supporting Breastfeeding with the WIC Food Package has been updated and streamlined with more targeted information. The policy now includes additional details to support assessment and documentation of breastfeeding issues and concerns. Food package and formula amount charts support tailoring the food package to meet infant's needs while supporting breastfeeding goals.
Policy Section 1.10: Civil Rights has been updated to clarify that WIC is required to use the nondiscrimination statement listed under “for all other FNS nutrition assistance programs."
February local agency call minutes
Review the WIC Local Agency Conference Call - Feb. 21, 2024, minutes.
Register now for 2024 state sponsored lactation courses
The Minnesota WIC program offers continuing education courses at no cost for WIC staff to increase their knowledge of various lactation topics.
Spaces are very limited. Register quickly to ensure a spot in the training you want! MWRTrainings.com
Minnesota is prioritizing the following trainings:
- Live virtual USDA Breastfeeding Training hosted by the Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition
- With a live in person DBE workday August 15th!
- Love in the Margins
- Exclusive Pumping
- Certified Lactation Specialist (CLS)
- Parental and Infant Health during Lactation
- IBCLC Exam Prep for Lactation Professionals
- DBE Workshop
Note: The LCE Course, Book groups, Ethics, Peer Case Study Day and HUG Your Baby are NOT available for Minnesota WIC staff.
All Midwest Region WIC Programs will use a new shared website for registration.
Important tips:
- All registrations will be reviewed for application criteria and seat availability.
- Open all the drop downs and explore the course information on the website.
- The selection criteria are dependent on the state. There will be several questions to complete.
- Pay attention to the time zone (the region is across the Central and Eastern time zones)
- Let your supervisor know you’ve registered.
- Supervisors: If someone from your agency is no longer able to attend a training (schedule change, left the agency, etc.) please email Rosie.Pierce-Martin@state.mn.us so we can fill the open spot.
For information on available courses and registration visit: MWRTrainings.com
Applications open for lactation focused funding opportunities
Two additional funding opportunities for lactation-focused work in local WIC agencies.
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Promoting equity in lactation- funding for projects to strengthen partnerships with the community while promoting WIC lactation services.
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Coffective Community Partnership Collaborative - get support implementing a new lactation-related project or accelerating an existing project.
Important dates:
- Both applications are due March 27.
- Projects must be completed by Sept. 30.
Funding is pending and dependent on the federal budget. Applicants will be updated on any funding changes before projects start.
For more information and how to apply refer to: Additional Funding for Local WIC Agencies
Questions? Contact Rosie Pierce-Martin, 651-201-4428, Rosie.Pierce-Martin@state.mn.us.
Great Lakes Breastfeeding webinar: Safety in Supplementation - Does it Exist? Informed and Fully Supported is Best
Register for the Great Lakes Breastfeeding Webinar "Safety in Supplementation - Does it Exist? Informed and Fully Supported is Best " presented by Samirah Muhsin, IBCLC, Doula. Registration is open to watch whenever and wherever. Approved for one L-CERP, one nurse's contact hour, one social work CE hour, one community health worker CEU, and one certified health education specialist CECH, and one CME until November 17.
Michigan Breastfeeding Network transitioned to a new learning management system for the Great Lakes Breastfeeding Webinars. Visit glbw.thinkific.com and make an account/log into existing account to view new and existing webinars.
We're celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. Since the opening of the first clinic in 1974, WIC has been committed to improving maternal and child outcomes.
The February WIC 50th Anniversary Partner toolkit is ready and includes a video on Why WIC Matters, social media graphics, and sample social media post language.
Check out the Celebrating 50 years of WIC webpage for additional resources.
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Local agency staff should talk to their supervisor for approval before registering for training.
Register today for: “Improving the Health of WIC Participants through the Nutrition Assessment: Practical Applications”
Webinar Date: Monday, April 29: 8:30- 10 a.m.
Description: Our speaker, Melissa Nelson, will discuss the valuable role accurate and thorough nutrition assessments play in empowering WIC staff to fulfill the mission of the WIC program to improve the health and well-being of women, infants, and children by addressing their nutritional needs comprehensively and proactively. Attendees will gain valuable insights into using efficient assessment techniques, tailoring assessment questions to meet the unique needs of each participant, and effectively using the tools available. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your skills and make a meaningful impact in the lives of the participants you serve!
Objectives:
- Describe the purpose of the WIC nutrition assessment and its significance.
- Explain how to use open ended questions to thoughtfully conduct a strength-based nutrition assessment.
- Effectively use tools available to conduct quality nutrition assessments.
- Understand how the nutrition assessment tools help set the stage for the assessment, assure a weight inclusive approach, and assess for food insecurity.
- Combine information gathered in the nutrition assessment to develop a plan for nutrition education and referrals.
Register: Improving the Health of WIC Participants through the Nutrition Assessment: Practical Applications
NOTE: You may need to enable cookies to reach the registration link. If it doesn’t work in your primary browser, please try another (Foxfire, Edge, or Chrome).
Register for “Perinatal Substance Use - How to Best Support Pregnant and Parenting Participants”
Date: Wednesday, March 27: 8:30- 10 a.m.
Description: Join us for this informative presentation, as Dr. Cresta W. Jones aims to present information on perinatal substance use and how to best support participants who use drugs while pregnant and/or when parenting.
Objectives:
- Provide a general overview of substance use in pregnant and parenting people in the United States.
- Discuss implications of substance use.
- Introduce information on how to talk with participants regarding perinatal substance use.
Register: Perinatal Substance Use - How to Best Support Pregnant and Parenting Participants
NOTICE: You may need to enable cookies to reach the registration link. If it doesn’t work in your primary browser, please try another (Foxfire, Edge, or Chrome).
The Week Ahead
Check out upcoming trainings and meetings: Local Agency WIC Calendar
Find new job opportunities on the WIC Job Postings webpage.
Submit job postings using the WIC Job Postings survey.
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