Quarterly medical assistance texting reminder
Minnesota WIC sends quarterly text messages promoting the program to Medical Assistance (MA) recipients, who qualify for WIC.
For the balance of 2025, texts will go out the first Monday in May, August, and November.
WIC uses lists of new MA recipients who are younger than five, are pregnant or are six months postpartum for the text outreach efforts. We carefully review the data to make sure outreach texts go to potential WIC participants, not current participants.
- The texts are sent to recipients over five weeks.
- The text is available in English, Spanish, and Somali.
- There will be two versions of the text message, one tailored for pregnant MA enrollees and one for all other MA enrollees.
For more details, refer to our quarterly medical assistance texting on our WIC Communications and Outreach webpage.
Infant safe sleep community kickoff
Every year, approximately 50 babies in Minnesota die suddenly and unexpectedly, and most of these deaths happen in an unsafe sleep environment.
In partnership with the Minnesota Department of Health, the Infant Safe Sleep Community Leadership Team is kicking off a series of conversations with the African American and American Indian communities in Minnesota to elevate community-driven solution to eliminate sudden unexpected infant deaths in these communities by 2033.
Complete the Infant Safe Sleep Community Kickoff Registration for the kickoff session on April 9 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the Fairview Community Wellness HUB (45 W 10th Street, St. Paul, MN 55102). Participants will receive a thank you gift in appreciation of their attendance.
For more information contact info@courageouschangecollective.org.
Heavy metals in infant foods document updated
The Heavy Metals in Infant Foods document was updated to help local agencies educate WIC families on recent concerns about heavy metals in infant formula and foods. It provides key points for staff to address questions, share feeding tips, and reinforce WIC’s role in supporting safe, nutritious options.
Staff learning and skill building
There's no new Topic of the Month this April. Instead, we're highlighting the importance of training.
Training is one of the most important functions in establishing a quality WIC program. Taking time for continuing education assists staff in functioning effectively and efficiently in their roles. Everyone learns better when they have a chance to apply the skills they learn. One tool to support staff learning and skill building is the see it, say it, do it model.
See it
- Review information provided in training memos, modules, or webinars.
- Observe other staff as they perform WIC functions.
- Review WIC materials and resources.
Say it
- Talk with other staff about information reviewed.
- Ask questions to learn about more about what others are doing.
- Meet with a trainer or preceptor to talk about what you learned.
Do it
- Complete learning activities in modules.
- Practice WIC procedure or function while another observes.
- Find and write answers to questions you have around practices or activities.
This month, look on the Local Agencies webpage under the staff resources, nutrition, and/or training sections to explore training opportunities and practice using the see it, say, do it method for build skills.
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
Registration is now open for each of the eight participant-centered services (PCS) regional training workshops. The participant-centered services regional training workshops are designed for CPA staff. Peers are welcome to attend but not required. These workshops will allow counseling staff from all experience levels to come together, learn from one another, and practice their techniques.
Registration: 2025 PCS Regional Workshops
Registration will close two weeks prior to each meeting date. Lunch will be provided.
Please contact your state consultant by email with questions.
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Tuesday
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Wednesday
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Thursday
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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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Local agency portal training
Minnesota WIC will be holding a training for the Local Agency Portal reports on Wednesday, May 7 from 12– 1 p.m.
The training will cover what reports are available and how to use parameters and filters to get the data you need. The training will be recorded for those who cannot join the live session.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Rachel Freund at rachel.freund@state.mn.us and Marcia McCoy at marcia.mccoy@state.mn.us.
2025 monthly champions calls
Our next participant-centered services (PCS) champions call is scheduled for Tuesday, April 8. These calls will be held on the second Tuesday of each month from 8:30-9:30 a.m. Bernadette Flores will be leading the calls. The calls are an open and welcoming PCS forum where together we discuss successes and challenges, work on skills, identify efficiencies, foster team spirit, and celebrate success. No registration required. Thank you to those who joined last month’s call.
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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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