Additional funding available to local agencies in federal fiscal year 2025
Federal Fiscal Year 2025 additional funding is available in the following areas:
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Tablets for using Language Line video interpretation services – Funds are available to reimburse agencies for purchasing equipment to offer video Language Line interpretation services. Agencies who use tablets report better interpreter appointments and prefer them to phone interpretation.
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Local Agency innovative shopping experience projects – Does your agency have an idea to enhance the shopping experience in your community? These funds have already supported a variety of local agency projects such as grocery store tours, developing clinic displays that help participants practice using the WIC app, promoted use of the new WIC shopping videos on social media and other areas.
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Hemocue Analyzers – Has your agency switched to the HemoCue Analyzer 301? If not, these funds can help your agency make the switch from 201 devices.
These project funds must be used by September 30. If you have questions or want more information, please reach out to your state WIC consultant.
Spanish and Somali WIC app flyers now available
The Spanish and Somali versions of the WIC App flyer are now available for Local Agencies to order from Brush Art.
All three language versions, English, Spanish, and Somali, can also be viewed on the MN WIC App Website.
If you have any questions, please reach out to your state WIC consultant.
WINNIE release 3.4.1: assigning risk factors 371 and 904
Use the Health Information screen to document all forms of nicotine and tobacco use and environmental tobacco smoke exposure. This automatically assigns applicable risk factors 371 and 904 (see WINNIE Release 3.4.1 Document (PDF)):
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Risk Factor 371 – Nicotine and Tobacco Use (women only): Assign for the use of any nicotine and/or tobacco-containing products, including e-cigarettes, vaping devices, nicotine patches/gum, cigarettes, cigars, etc.
- Specify cigarette use in the Nicotine/Tobacco Use Per Day- Cigarette Usage section of the Health Information screen.
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(NEW!) Toggle on Other Nicotine Product Usage for all other nicotine/tobacco products.
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Risk Factor 904 – Environmental Tobacco Smoke Exposure (all categories): Assign for exposure to secondhand smoke or aerosol from tobacco products—including electronic nicotine delivery systems—in enclosed spaces like the home or childcare settings.
- Select 'Yes' under “Household Nicotine/Tobacco Use- Environmental Tobacco Smoke Exposure” (formerly “Household Smoking”) to assign this risk factor.
For additional guidance on the health risks of e-cigarettes, vaping, and secondhand exposure, as well as tips for participant-centered counseling and cessation resources, refer to Electronic Cigarettes and Vaping- Topic of the Month.
Medical formula from the pharmacy
Did you know WIC families can get medical formula from WIC authorized pharmacies? Follow the tips on the Medical Formula from the Pharmacy (PDF) card to help families purchase medical formula with their WIC Card.
The card has English on one side and either Spanish or Somali on the other and can be ordered from Brush Art. The card is available on the Minnesota WIC website WIC Shopping Help under WIC Formula, and on the WIC App in Shopping - Shopping Help - WIC Formula.
Some reminders as agencies work with families:
- Pharmacies will break a case if needed to give the exact number of cans prescribed on the benefits.
- If families fail to pick up formula within 1-2 weeks of delivery to the pharmacy; the medical formula may be sent back to the distributor.
To obtain a list of WIC-authorized pharmacies in your area, run the Infoview report Stores & Pharmacies by County in the INFOVIEW TEMPLATES - Vendors folder. Lists are provided by name and by city.
Please reach out to your state WIC consultant if you have questions.
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
Reminder: 2025 monthly champions calls
Our next participant-centered services (PCS) champions call is scheduled for Tuesday, May 6.
These calls are held on the second Tuesday of each month from 8:30-9:30 a.m., however, this month we will hold it one week early. 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. This week includes:
- Wright County Community Action WIC Nutrition Educator
Submit job postings using the WIC Job Postings survey.
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