Applications open for local agency funding opportunities
Local WIC agencies can apply for promotion and outreach funding and/or lactation-focused work:
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Promoting equity in lactation- funding up to $5,000 for projects related to improving equity in lactation in your community and promote WIC lactation services. To apply - Promoting equity in lactation 2025 application
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WIC promotion and outreach- Funding of up to $3,000 is available to local WIC agencies to promote WIC services for program recruitment and retention through outreach projects across the state of Minnesota. To apply - 2025 WIC promotion and outreach application
Important dates:
- Applications are due March 28
- Projects must be completed by Sept. 30
Application information and past project examples are on the Additional Funding for Local WIC Agencies webpage.
Funding is pending and dependent on the federal budget. Applicants will be updated on any funding changes before projects start.
Coming soon!
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Coffective Community Partnership Collaborative - get support implementing a new lactation-related project or accelerating an existing project. Projects should involve strengthen partnerships with the community while promoting WIC lactation services.
Questions? For lactation projects contact Rosie Pierce-Martin, 651-201-4428, Rosie.Pierce-Martin@state.mn.us. For WIC promotion and outreach projects contact Tina Breitenbach tina.breitenbach@state.mn.us or Megan Leonard megan.leonard@state.mn.us
TodaysBaby programs and research studies
Minnesota WIC is sharing the opportunity for pregnant WIC participants to enroll in the TodaysBaby Research Study Program. The baby care education and research study is designed by health care experts to provide up-to-date information on baby sleep, baby feeding, or baby interactions through free videos and messages sent directly to those enrolled!
Participants are eligible if:
- They are at least 18 years old.
- Currently pregnant and less than 30 weeks along.
Minnesota WIC will send this app message to registered Minnesota WIC app users on March 3:
Subject: Resource:TodaysBaby
Notification: TodaysBaby is a baby care education and research study, and you can sign up if you’re 18 or older and pregnant (less than 30 weeks). You’ll get videos and text messages to help you make the best choices for your baby!
Learn more and sign up: TodaysBaby enroll (todaysbaby.org/enroll?ws=0)
More information is posted on the WIC Breastfeeding Resources webpage. TodaysBaby is working to share updated flyers with local agencies who have requested them in the past.
Minnesota WIC designated breastfeeding expert practice group
Please join State breastfeeding staff and other WIC lactation professionals across Minnesota WIC for our new designated breastfeeding expert practice group! The goal of this group is intended for International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants and designated breastfeeding experts looking for an opportunity to connect and network with other lactation colleagues. Agenda items will include case studies, current research, support for discussing designated breastfeeding expert challenges. Meetings will be held monthly on the fourth Monday, from 9 -10 a.m. This is a drop-in style group, no need to RSVP or attend all meetings.
The first meeting will be on Monday, Feb. 24: 9 -10 a.m.
Use this link to join the meeting.
Dial in by phone
+1 651-395-7448,,421204730#United States, Minneapolis
Find a local number
Phone conference ID: 421 204 730#
If you have any questions reach out to kristen.bricko@state.mn.us or rosie.pierce-martin@state.mn.us.
Dawn Liemandt (Chisago County WIC)
Submitted by Dawn Liemandt’s coworkers at the Chisago County WIC program.
We would like to take a moment to congratulate, Dawn Liemandt in her retirement and her years of working for the WIC program. Dawn has worked for the Chisago County WIC program for 39.5 years. As she steps into retirement, we would like to acknowledge the immense contribution she has made to our WIC team.
Dawn started as a WIC CPA for Chisago County in 1985. With the encouragement of the state WIC consultant, she eventually transitioned to the role of WIC coordinator. Dawn would like to thank her coworkers and the state WIC staff for their support over the years. She has especially enjoyed developing relationships among her coworkers and WIC participants. Dawn states that she always wants our families leaving a WIC appointment, feeling hopeful, knowing that they have the support of our WIC team. Dawn strongly feels that having a team that is compassionate is important for the success of WIC, as people need to know that we care about their story.
Dawn also wants to share that “participant centered services is the best thing ever!” Dawn states that participant centered services changed the tone from procedural to participant centered, which has helped WIC staff better able to connect with WIC participants and assist them with achieving their goals. Dawn has shaped the Chisago County WIC program to what it is today, and we are thankful for her guidance and friendship over the years.
We will miss her presence in the office but are truly excited for her to embark on this new chapter filled with well-deserved leisure and new pursuits. Dawn, an avid reader, looks forward to having more time to relax and read historical fiction and mystery novels. Dawn also plans to travel around the country with her husband, Joe, and visit her grandchildren in California.
Best wishes from the Minnesota WIC program. Thank you, Dawn, for your many contributions to the WIC program during your distinguished career!
Fresh herbs
Minnesota WIC recently added fresh herbs as allowed. Only herbs in the FRESH produce section are allowed – not dried herbs. Also, potted herbs are not allowed.
The shopping guide is being revised to add the additional language around fresh herbs but will only be available online at this time. Final versions of the shopping guide will be printed when all new food package changes have been implemented.
You may print the image above to hand out to participants, if you would like.
Local agency staff should talk to their supervisor for approval before registering for training.
Upcoming webinar: “Improving the Health of WIC Participants through Nutrition Education: Enhancing Nutrition Education Skills"
Date: Wednesday, March 12
Time: 8:30 -10 a.m.
Presenter: Melissa Nelson, MPH, RDN, LD
Use link to register: Improving the Health of WIC Participants through Nutrition Education: Enhancing Nutrition Education Skills
Description: Join us to examine ways that WIC staff can leverage critical thinking to navigate complex situations, tailor nutrition education, and explore techniques for developing high quality individual nutrition care plans.
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Minnesota WIC participant centered services champions webinars: Parts 1 and 2
Presenter: Bernadette Flores, MPA, RD
Description: Are you a participant centered services (PCS) champion? Watch part one of the recoded webinars to enhance your PCS skills and support your team in their PCS efforts. Watch part two to further develop our PCS skills and explore techniques to assist other WIC staff in skill development.
Registration: Log into the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Learning Center and search for “MN WIC PCS Champions Webinars: Parts 1 and 2”.
These webinars are recommended for staff who have worked in WIC for at least six months.
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Great Lakes Breastfeeding Webinar
Register for the Feb. 2025 Great Lakes Breastfeeding Webinar "How to Support Breastfeeding for Community Health Workers: Reframing Breastfeeding as a Public Health Imperative" presented by Tameka Jackson-Dyer, BASc, IBCLC, CHW, CLE/S/C, MHFA, Doula. New and existing Great Lakes Breastfeeding Webinars can be viewed on-demand at glbw.thinkific.com.
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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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