WIC Weekly Update

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June 4, 2025

IN THIS ISSUE

• Nutrition and breastfeeding
• Peer breastfeeding
• Topic of the month
• MN WIC app messages
• Training opportunities
• State and local agency career corner
• HOLIDAYS
• RESOURCES

IMPORTANT

Milk purchasing 

There was a system error with transactions purchasing milk on June 3. Participants should be able to purchase milk again on June 4. If WIC shoppers are still experiencing issues on June 4, stores may take another day to update their APL and resolve the issue.

This app message went out to MN WIC App users on June 3: 

There is a problem when trying to buy milk at stores right now with your WIC Card. You can buy other WIC items but should wait to shop for any milk until Wednesday (Español/Somali).

Food package updates begin June 9

Food package changes for milk, formula, mostly-breastfed infants 0-1 months old, and infant cash-value benefits (CVBs) begin on June 9.

For information, please review the following:

• WINNIE Update Document – Food Package Changes
• Food Package Changes to implement on June 9
• Food Package Updates (webpage)
• Evaporated Milk Follow-up-ACTION ITEM!

Food package changes

• Watch for draft Policy 7.10 Food Package 4 Children 1 through 4 years to be posted later this week on the Food Package Updates webpage.
• The website pages with the Shopping Guide, and Infant Formula handout will be updated and visible for participants in the app and on the Shopping Help webpage on Friday June 6.
• The following formula documents have been updated on the website:
  • MN WIC Formula Amounts Guide
  • MN WIC Contract Formula Amounts Guide

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 Standard 1.0 Cal
• Compleat Pediatric Standard 1.4 Cal

Order WIC cards now!

It is that time of year again, to submit local agency orders for WIC cards. If you have not already done so, go directly to Quarterly WIC Card Stock Order Form  to place your order before June 15.  Please submit your order for the number of boxes of WIC Cards you will need for this upcoming quarter, even if the order amount is zero (0) boxes.

Orders are placed four times during the year on December 15, March 15, June 15 and September 15, if all local agencies have responded. Shipments are delivered about six weeks after the order is placed. Please contact deb.grundmanis@state.mn.us if you have questions. 

Nutrition and breastfeeding

Local agency portal user access

REMINDER: The local agency portal access is currently only available to WIC Coordinators and Breastfeeding Coordinators as this time. If you do not have access and should, please send in a user request using the WIC Information User Request Form.

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.

Peer breastfeeding

Peer counselor orientation

Have a new peer breastfeeding counselor? The next live peer counselor orientation is schedule for June 24. If you have any questions, please reach out to Kristen Bricko at  kristen.bricko@state.mn.us.

Topic of the month

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes affects up to nine percent of pregnancies across the United States every year. In 2020, about 8.5% of Minnesota birth parents had been diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Although the exact cause is not known, there is help to prevent, treat, and manage this condition. Read this month’s topic memo to learn more about supporting soon-to-be parents who are at risk for or have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Gestational Diabetes - Topic of the Month (PDF)

MN WIC app messages

TodaysBaby programs and research studies

MN 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 with a due date of Aug. 18 or later.
• English speaking.

MN WIC will send this app message to registered Minnesota WIC App users on June 10:

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! todaysbaby.org/enroll/?ws=0 [todaysbaby.org]

More information is posted on the WIC Breastfeeding Resources webpage.

Training opportunities

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 workshop

Register for one of the eight participant-centered services (PCS) regional training workshops before the registration date closes. These workshops are designed for CPA staff. Peers are welcome to attend but not required.

Registration: 2025 PCS Regional Workshops

Registration close dates:

• Registration closes June 6 for workshops on June 24 (Olivia), June 25 (St. Cloud), June 26 (Duluth)
• Registration closes July 7 for workshops on July 22 (Fergus Falls), July 23 (Bemidji)

Please contact your state consultant with questions.

2025 monthly champions calls

Our next participant-centered services (PCS) champions call is scheduled for Tuesday, June 10 These calls are held on the second Tuesday of each month from 8:30-9:30 a.m.; Bernadette Flores will lead the call. No registration required. Join the meeting: Use the Champions Call Microsoft Teams Meeting link or find the link on the Local Agency Important Dates Calendar. Provide input on meeting content: Complete the Champion Calls Survey. Agenda: Welcome and setting the stage Review: past topic share Open discussion Skill spotlight Wrap-up

Register now for 2025 level 4 lactation skills day!

This training is an in-person designated breastfeeding expert (DBE) skills day for WIC staff and partners.

The training is for WIC staff who need to complete level 4 training and is also open to those who have already completed the full WIC breastfeeding curriculum and want more hands-on experience.

This year we have two options for in-person designated breastfeeding expert skills days! In the south we are offering a training in Marshall and in the north in Duluth. Register quickly, spots are limited. mwrtrainings.com

• Option 1:
  • June 30, virtual session (morning)
  • July 21, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. in-person DBE skills day in Marshall
• Option 2:
  • July 9, virtual session (morning)
  • July 23, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. in-person DBE skills day in Duluth

For more details visit USDA Breastfeeding Curriculum Trainings page.

For registration visit mwrtrainings.com

Questions- Contact Rosie.Pierce-Martin@state.mn.us

The week ahead

Check out upcoming trainings and meetings: Local Agency WIC Calendar

State and local agency career corner

Find new job opportunities on the WIC Job Postings webpage.

Submit job postings using the WIC Job Postings survey.

HOLIDAYS

Thursday, June 19 - Juneteenth (State office closed) 

RESOURCES

WIC Agency Materials Order Form

Medical Formulas Available at Local Agencies

WIC New Staff Training

WIC Information System Training

WIC Weekly Updates (View current and past information by date or topic.)

Local Agency Photo Sharing

Questions? Email health.wic@state.mn.us.

Feedback? Submit Question and Feedback for the Minnesota WIC Program using the online form. Select Local Agency, followed by the WIC Update topic.

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