WIC Weekly Update

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November 20, 2024

IMPORTANT

Completed Infoview report revisions

Each week in the Weekly Update, we will list any Infoview reports that have been revised to ensure new SPIRIT Web IDs do not display in their output. The following report revision has been completed:

• MCAs COMPLETED OR NOT AND BENEFITS ISSUED (Agency Management >> Audits/Chart Review folder).

WIC food package - herb update 

Fresh herbs in the produce section are now WIC allowed. This is one of the first changes from the WIC rules revisions for WIC food packages effective on June 17, 2024. 

This My MN WIC app message will go out to participants on Nov. 25, so there is an awareness of fresh herbs being deducted from their cash value benefit. 

Subject: Food package changes

Message: WIC is adding fresh herbs to WIC allowed foods using your fruit and veggie dollars. Not all fresh herbs are added yet, but you may notice your food benefit paying for fresh herbs at check out as more are added to the WIC allowed food list. More fresh herbs are added as state staff gather information from stores.

WIC staff can begin telling WIC participants about the addition of herbs using fruit and vegetable dollars.

What herbs are allowed?

Any fresh herbs like, cilantro, basil, parsley, chives, lemon grass, thyme, oregano, rosemary, and ginger.

Not allowed:

• Pastes, tubes, and jars
• Dried fruits, vegetables, herbs, or spices like cinnamon
• Decorative or potted fruits, vegetables, and herbs

In preparation for this change, state staff have visited stores of varying sizes and in different regions to gather information about herbs available and added herb PLUs and some UPCs to the WIC approved product listings (APL) over the past month. Participants have purchased over $4,000 worth of herbs since the end of October while state staff gathered and added herbs to the WIC APL.

Vendors know they will need to map herbs, like fruits and vegetables. Any calls from WIC participants unable to purchase herbs should be managed the same way we troubleshoot issues with fruits and vegetables.  CPAs can send an email to health.wicvendor@state.mn.us with photos of the herb(s), including the UPC.

New regulations for WIC food packages are intended to provide WIC participants with a wider array of foods to align with current Dietary Guidelines for Americans and reflect recommendations from the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine. All the new food package rule changes must be implemented by 2026 except for yogurt in 2027.

Order WIC cards now!

It is that time of year again, to submit local agency orders for WIC cards. If you have not already done so, go directly to Quarterly WIC Card Stock Order Form - Minnesota WIC to place your order before December 15.  Please submit your order for the number of boxes of WIC Cards you will need for this upcoming quarter, even if the order amount is zero (0) boxes.

Orders are placed four times/year on Dec.15, Mar. 15, June 15 and Sept. 15, if all local agencies have responded. Shipments are delivered about six weeks after the order is placed.  Please contact deb.grundmanis@state.mn.us if you have questions. 

HOLIDAYS

Thursday and Friday, Nov. 28 and 29 - Thanksgiving (State office closed) 

Wednesday, Dec. 25 - Christmas Day (State office closed)

Wednesday, Jan. 1 - New Year's Day (State office closed) 

IN THIS ISSUE

• Stay in the know
• Nutrition and breastfeeding
• 50 years of WIC
• Training opportunities
• State and local agency career corner
• RESOURCES

Stay in the know

October advisory group meeting notes 

Review the October 28, 2024, Advisory Group Meeting (PDF) for agenda notes.  Reach out to your advisory group representative if you have any questions.  

NWA virtual focus group opportunity for competent paraprofessional authorities

The National WIC Association invites WIC competent paraprofessional authorities (CPPA) to participate in virtual focus group opportunities in December. A term not universally utilized in WIC, CPPA is defined in USDA's Nutrition Service Standards as an individual without extended professional training in health, nutrition or clinical management who is trained and given ongoing supervision to provide a basic service or function. If your job falls under this definition of CPPA then NWA would be honored to hear from you! 

As a part of a $1.2 million grant NWA received from the Walmart Foundation, we are hosting virtual focus groups on the following dates in December with the aim of enhancing the CPPA role and providing more support and career growth for this vital position in WIC.

• Friday, Dec. 6:   7 a.m. 
• Friday, Dec. 6:   10 a.m. 
• Monday, Dec. 9:   5 p.m. 

If you're interested in participating in this virtual focus group opportunity, please RSVP to Darlena Birch at: dbirch@nwica.org by end of day, Friday, Nov. 29.

Survey – your insight needed!

The Child and Family Health Division at the Minnesota Department of Health needs responses to the perinatal substance use disorder/neonatal abstinence syndrome needs assessment survey. This survey aims to gather insight from multi-disciplinary professionals regarding current interventions or supports used while caring for birthing/postpartum people impacted by substance use disorder and/or mental health concerns, along with infants impacted by neonatal abstinence syndrome.

The results of this survey will drive potential programs and interventions from a state perspective based on identified areas of need. Please share the survey with any colleagues or partners that may be able to provide insight on this topic. 

SUD/NAS needs assessment survey responses are due December 13. Email Rachel Sprague or Kayli Tulkki with questions.

Nutrition and breastfeeding

Get to Know wichealth.org 7 

Get to know Get to Know wichealth.org 7 (PDF)! This week’s memo highlight Quick Connect, a feature that automatically imports participant lesson completions to the Information System Nutrition Education page. Check out this feature and other options for managing and documenting lesson completions.

50 years of WIC

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 November Partner Toolkit is not available yet. We'll share as soon as it is. Check out the WIC 50th Anniversary webpage for additional resources.

Training opportunities

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

New webinar: “Improving the Health of WIC Participants through Nutrition Education: Practical Applications.” Date: Wednesday, Dec. 11 Time: 8:30 - 10 a.m. Click link to register: Improving the Health of WIC Participants through the Nutrition Education: Practical Applications Presenter: Melissa Nelson, MPH, RDN, LD Description: Join us for an informative webinar focusing on ways that WIC staff can advance the program’s mission of improving the health and well-being of women, infants, and children through individualized nutrition education. Learn how to address nutrition education needs in a thorough and proactive manner and gain valuable insights into efficient techniques, customizing topics and questions to fit individual needs, and how to make the most of available tools. Take advantage of this opportunity to refine your education skills and create a meaningful difference in the lives of WIC participants! Objectives: Describe the purpose and significance of WIC nutrition education. Prioritize nutrition education topics based on risk factors, individual needs, and developmental stages. Apply anticipatory guidance and motivational interviewing skills to respond effectively to situations where participants decline or show limited interest in nutrition education. Utilize available resources and tools available to make nutrition education more engaging and accessible. NOTE: You may need to enable cookies to reach the Microsoft Teams Webinar 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

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 Formulas Available at Local Agencies

WIC New Staff Training

WIC Information System Training

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

Local Agency Photo Sharing

Reminder: Local agencies should use WIC grant funds to pay for NWA membership and claim the expense on their monthly claim form/invoice. 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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