|
The January food package update will include changing whole grains from pounds to ounces. These changes will be made on the backend the weekend of Jan. 10 and the whole grains description will automatically update in WINNIE and the WIC App. Please refer to Food Package Updates Starting January 12, 2026 (PDF) for additional details.
No quarterly MA or SNAP texts in November
Given the circumstances with the federal shutdown, we plan to hold on the quarterly medical assistance and SNAP text messages that were scheduled for November. We will provide an update when we are able to move forward with these text messages.
Communication update to participants
MN WIC services continue during the federal government shutdown. We received additional funding from the USDA to continue program benefits into mid-November.
We plan to send an updated app message to participants late this week, if the shutdown continues. App messages are on the WIC website: WIC Communications and Outreach
Subject: Keep Using WIC Benefits
Message: MN WIC has received additional funds to continue services into mid-November if the federal government shutdown continues. Please keep your WIC appointments, shop with your WIC card, and use your benefits. Questions? Call your local WIC clinic. We will send updates when we have more to share.
Please remind participants to:
Contact your state WIC consultant with any questions.
Oct. 30 shopping experience webinar - canceled
With the uncertainty around the federal government shutdown, the shopping experience webinar scheduled for October 30 is canceled. We’re sorry for any inconvenience this creates for those who planned to attend. We will reschedule this webinar for a later date to be determined.
Oct. 27 advisory group meeting - canceled
We plan to cancel the October 27 meeting and will resume in January.
Meaningful minutes: WIC skills in 10
Preventing Anemia in Children, the first in the training series, is now available at Meaningful Minutes - WIC Skills in 10. Scroll down to the Training videos and worksheets section and select the Preventing Anemia in Children video.
- Watch the short, on demand video.
- Check out the resources.
- Discuss the questions on the staff worksheet Preventing Anemia in Children (PDF) to enhance learning and build skills!
Time spent viewing the video and discussing the questions can be included in the hours required for annual Continuing Education for CPAs Section 4.5: Staff Training.
The Meaningful Minutes series is part of the FFY 2026-2027 Nutrition Education Plan goal to enhance WIC staff assessment and counseling skills for common nutrition risks.
WIC breastfeeding award of excellence
Due to the government shutdown, the Breastfeeding Award of Excellence application is currently unavailable. A prerecorded webinar—covering how to apply and addressing commonly missed questions—will be released in the coming weeks and the application should be made available once the government reopens. Please check the Weekly Update for access to the recording.
For any questions, contact Kristen.Bricko@state.mn.us.
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
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder Training
Register for: Understanding FASD: Strategies for Supporting Families and Raising Awareness
Presenter: PROOF Alliance, a nonprofit organization solely focused on prenatal alcohol exposure and FASD.
When: Friday, Jan. 30, 2026
Time: 9 - 10 a.m.
This presentation was developed for the Minnesota Department of Health, Women, Infant and Children (WIC) and Family Home Visiting (FHV) program staff to support them in the work that they do with families. The presentation will give staff a better understanding of both Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) and Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (PAE), how they impact brain development, ways to avoid stigma, and how to engage families in conversations to provide support.
Questions: Contact Carole Kelnhofer
|
On demand trainings
 |
|
Great Lakes Breastfeeding Webinar
Register for the October Great Lakes Breastfeeding Webinar "Social Drivers of Fatherhood and the Impacts on Maternal Infant Health: Let’s Talk About Stress" presented by Reginald Day, CLC, CHW. New and existing Great Lakes Breastfeeding Webinars can be viewed on-demand at glbw.thinkific.com.
|
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.
Tuesday, Nov. 11 - Veterans Day (State office closed)
Thursday, Nov 27 and Friday, Nov. 28 - Thanksgiving (State office closed)
|
