Peer program sample job description policy update
Exhibit 4-C: Peer Breastfeeding Support Program Sample Job Descriptions (PDF) was updated to reflect federal policy. The minimum qualifications for the peer coordinator position must meet CPA eligibility.
Training sections of the sample job descriptions now reflect expectations for all peer program positions upon hire.
March local agency call minutes
Review the WIC Local Agency Conference Call (PDF) - March 19, 2025
App message – more egg options
A MN WIC App message will go out to registered users on April 1 about the upcoming change expanding egg options.
Subject: More Egg Options
Message: You can now use your WIC benefits to buy brown and cage-free eggs, as well as white eggs. Do not buy organic, pasture-raised, free-range and pasteurized eggs with WIC benefits. For easier shopping, use your WIC app to scan eggs and see if they are WIC allowed. If you find a brown or cage-free egg product you think should be included, use the Suggest a UPC in the app to share information with WIC.
Hyperlink: Minnesota WIC App Message (Español/Somali/English)
Translations of the message will be posted to the new Minnesota WIC App Message (Español/Somali/English) page. Remember you can find upcoming and past app messages on the WIC Communications and Outreach webpage.
Reminder: applications for local agency funding opportunities due March 28
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, visit 2025 WIC promotion and outreach application
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Coffective: Funding up to $5,000 to 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.
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.
Questions? For lactation projects contact Rosie Pierce-Martin, 651-201-4428. For WIC promotion and outreach projects contact Tina Breitenbach or Megan Leonard.
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
2025 state sponsored lactation courses
Dates are now available for the state sponsored lactation courses. Registration will open once funds are approved- watch for another announcement in the Wednesday update.
Minnesota WIC program offers continuing education courses at no cost for WIC staff to increase their knowledge of various lactation topics. More information about courses and registration tips are available in the 2025 State Sponsored Lactation Courses (PDF).
Training information is available at MWRTrainings.com
Questions? Contact Rosie.Pierce-Martin@state.mn.us
Minnesota Breastfeeding Coalition event
Register for: Bridging Gaps in Lactation Care for Rural Minnesota Families
Presenters: Jenna Erickson, CNM, IBCLC and Jess Dressen, LPN, IBCLC
When: Virtual presentation on May 22, from 12-1 p.m.
Description: Hear from two Southwest Minnesota Lactation colleagues with experience as hospital nurses, doulas and lactation consultants about their “grassroots” efforts to provide and expand lactation services in their area and in a local hospital-clinic system through efforts such as peer support groups, classes, and individual lactation support.
FEE: $20 registration for Minnesota Breastfeeding Coalition (MBC) Members/$30 for non-members
Contact mnbfcevents@gmail.com with questions.
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On demand trainings
Prerecorded Improving the Health of WIC Participants through Nutrition Education: Enhancing Nutrition Education Skills
Registration: Log into the Minnesota Department of Health Learning Center and search for “Prerecorded Improving the Health of WIC Participants through Nutrition Education: Enhancing Nutrition Education Skills.”
Presenter: Melissa Nelson, MPH, RDN, LD
Description: View this recorded webinar 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.
Contact Carole.Kelnhofer@state.mn.us with questions about this webinar or the Minnesota Department of Health Learning Center.
The Week Ahead
Check out upcoming trainings and meetings: Local Agency WIC Calendar
Find new job opportunities on the WIC Job Postings webpage. This week includes:
- Benton County Public Health, Public Health Nurse - Family Health & WIC
Submit job postings using the WIC Job Postings survey.
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