Child Tax Credit information
Beginning with tax year 2024, Minnesotans may qualify for a Child Tax Credit of $1,750 per qualifying child, with no limit on the number of children claimed. This is a refundable credit, meaning Minnesotans can receive a refund even if they do not owe tax.
The Minnesota Department of Revenue has additional resources, included translated (Spanish, Somali, Hmong, etc.) printable materials, for local agencies to share: Promotional Materials for Child Tax Credit, Working Family Credit, and Credit for Qualifying Older Children
An app message will go out to all WIC participants on March 25:
Subject: Child Tax Credit
The Minnesota Department of Revenue wants to remind you about the Child Tax Credit. It offers up to $1,750 per child under 18. Income phaseouts apply. Don't miss out. Check eligibility and claim your credit when you file. Check the website for more information.
Hyperlink: https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/child-tax-credit
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- There will be posts on the Minnesota WIC Facebook and Minnesota WIC Instagram pages February-April.
- A link is posted on the Additional Support for WIC Families in the Financial Resources section.
- For more information, visit the Minnesota Department of Revenue Child Tax Credit webpage.
Toxic Free Kids Program
The Toxic Free Kids Program works to identify priority chemicals and chemicals of high concern that could be found in consumer products and are potentially harmful and hazardous if exposed. This program focuses on pregnant people and children, who are more vulnerable and may be at higher risk for potential negative health effects from chemical exposures.
Educational materials can be found on the program webpage Toxic Free Kids Program Education Materials, and we have a link added to our Additional Support for Families. This information can be used as a reference for staff if questions come up.
Medical formula changes in WINNIE
The following formulas have been added to WINNIE. Note: They can be found at the bottom of the food item list.
- Compleat Pediatric Peptide 1.0 Cal
- Compleat Pediatric Peptide 1.5 Cal
- Pediasure Reduced Calorie
Formulas no longer allowed/discontinued:
- Suplena
- Peptamen Junior with Prebio
Name changes:
- Gerber Extensive HA to Extensive HA
- Compleat Pediatric to Compleat Pediatric Original 1.0 Cal
The following documents have been updated:
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. This is a drop-in style group, no need to rsvp or attend all meetings.
The next meeting will be on Monday, March 24: 9 -10 a.m.
Use this Microsoft Teams link to join the meeting or dial in by phone:
If you have any questions reach out to kristen.bricko@state.mn.us or rosie.pierce-martin@state.mn.us.
WIC data informs new recommendations
The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine recently released a position statement entitled: Recommendation for Exclusive Breastfeeding: Avoidance of Underfeeding and Overfeeding (October 2024). Interestingly, Minnesota WIC played a role in these new national recommendations. One of the studies cited used Minnesota WIC data on in-hospital feeding to help inform the recommendations. McCoy MB, Heggie P. In-hospital formula feeding and breastfeeding duration. Pediatrics 2020;146(1): e20192946; doi: 10.1542/peds.2019-2946
Thank you to all the Minnesota WIC agencies and staff who opt in to collecting State Use Question #1 (Breastfeeding Exclusivity). This is the data used in the study. This question takes extra time, but it ultimately has had an influence far beyond our state.
If you would like to start tracking exclusive breastfeeding in the hospital there is a guidance document in Infoview, in the INFOVIEW TEMPLATES/State Use Questions/#1 – Breastfeeding Exclusivity folder, titled “Breastfeeding Exclusivity Guidance and Definitions.”
Reports using exclusivity data found in Infoview include:
- BREASTFEEDING EXCLUSIVITY (State Use Code #1) BY RACE/ETHNICITY
- NO ANSWER TO BREASTFEEDING EXCLUSIVITY STATE USE QUESTION #1
and in the INFOVIEW TEMPLATES /Breastfeeding folder:
- IN-HOSPITAL FORMULA FEEDING AND BREASTFEEDING BY RACE AND CULTURAL IDENTITY
Local agency staff should talk to their supervisor for approval before registering for training.
Refer to WIC Annual Required Trainings for staff training requirements.
Upcoming trainings
 Participant-centered services regional workshops
We previously shared a “Save The Date” for each of the eight participant-centered services regional training workshops. We are working on securing the location and meal for the day. We encourage agencies to continue to hold the date and anticipate registration will be coming in the next few weeks.
Please contact your state consultant with questions.
2025 PCS Regional Workshops
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Tues.
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Wed.
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Thurs.
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May 13
9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Rochester
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May 14
9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Shakopee
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May 15
9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Blaine
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June 24
9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Olivia
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June 25
9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
St. Cloud
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June 26
9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Duluth
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July 22
9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Fergus Falls
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July 23
9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Bemidji
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On demand trainings
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Great Lakes Breastfeeding Webinar
Register for the March Great Lakes Breastfeeding Webinar "Beyond the Golden: How Nurses Can Support the Lactating Family" presented by Kendria Miller, RN, IBCLC. 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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