MN WIC App message – shutdown funding update
If the federal government shutdown continues, we will send an updated app message to WIC participants on Friday, Nov. 14:
November 14
Subject: Keep using WIC Benefits
Message: Minnesota WIC has funds to keep services available into early December 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 continue sending updates as things change.
Minnesota WIC App Messages (Español/Somali/English)
App messages are posted to the WIC Communications and Outreach webpage.
Food resource for families
We know the shutdown is creating uncertainty for WIC agencies, staff, and the families you serve. It’s a challenging time to balance community needs with limited resources. To help, we’ve put together a resource for families who may be struggling to find or afford food.
The Food Help for Families webpage is linked from the following pages: WIC Program, Welcome to WIC!, Additional Support for Families, and Shopping Help. Please share this resource with anyone who could benefit.
Multistate outbreak of infant botulism linked to infant formula
The Minnesota Department of Health issued a news release Monday about a Multistate outbreak of infant botulism linked to infant formula. The outbreak of infant botulism is linked to ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula.
This is not a WIC allowed formula. Some participants may choose to buy and use this formula for their infants and may have questions. Please refer to the news release for additional information.
Addressing Muslim concerns on use of pasteurized donor human milk
 On October 28, Marcia McCoy from the state WIC program presented at the Minnesota Perinatal Quality Collaborative’s 2025 Perinatal Improvement Summit. Marcia co-presented with neonatologist Dr. Leah Jordan and nurse practitioner Munira Maalimisaq on a project addressing Muslim concerns about the safety and religious acceptability of pasteurized donor human milk. Representatives from MHealth Fairview, Children’s Minnesota, Brighter Health Minnesota, the Minnesota Milk Bank for Babies, local mosques, and the Minnesota Breastfeeding Coalition collaborated in an effort that resulted in the issuance of a fatwa, or religious clarification, on the use of pasteurized donor human milk for infants’ whose mothers’ own milk is not available.
Quality nutrition education documentation
Quality nutrition education documentation facilitates the delivery of meaningful nutrition services and ensures continuity of care for participants. Focus your nutrition education documentation on what you actually discuss and educate on – not what you assess. A long list of topics selected on the nutrition education page is not helpful and detracts from the goal of documenting for continuity of care. Concise documentation allows the next staff person to pick up right where you left off.
For more information about documentation visit the WIC Nutrition Education Documentation webpage. For tips on best practices and staff activities, read through the Documentation Best Practices - Suggested Activity section.
Local agency staff should talk to their supervisor for approval before registering for training.
Refer to WIC Annual Required Trainings for staff training requirements.
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.
Think small parent powered text program
Research shows when parents participate in this program their children become better prepared for kindergarten and future learning. Tips for fun brain-building activities and parent support included too.
Turn everyday moments into learning moments for your child
- Get three text messages a week with fun facts about your child’s development, based on their birth date, and easy tips for intentional learning in everyday moments like snack time, grocery shopping and bedtime.
- Signing up for Think Small Parent Powered Texts is free and easy. text LMC to 70138. use code LMC ESP to receive in Spanish and LMC SOM for Somali.
Refer to Little Moments Count: New Parent Resources for more information.
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Infant Safe Sleep Week
Mark your calendar and get the word out: Nov. 16-21 is Infant Safe Sleep Week in Minnesota! Every year, about 50 babies in Minnesota die suddenly and unexpectedly. Most of these deaths happen in an unsafe sleep environment, which can often be prevented. Increase awareness of this important public health issue by sharing Minnesota Department of Health’s social media posts throughout Infant Safe Sleep Week. Contact the infant and child health unit with questions.
Thursday, Nov. 27 and Friday, Nov. 28- Thanksgiving (state offices closed)
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