Local agency portal - reports and data page updates
Reports added:
- Online Application Summary for Counties – This printable PDF report is a quick glance at counts of applications for counties in your agency and the percent found to have a certification. This report will be updated every 6 months.
- Language Line Usage - This report shows mapped usage of the language line compared to mapped household languages across the state. It also contains a tab to view trends of language line usage in your agency. This report will be updated monthly.
2026 WIC advisory group openings – applications due Friday, Dec. 12
If you’re looking for an opportunity to be more involved in WIC policy issues, priorities and activities consider becoming a member of our WIC advisory group. As an advisory group member, you represent a group of agencies and will be asked to share the unique perspective, challenges, and concerns of your group with the WIC management team and your colleagues.
Openings for 2026 include:
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Regional representatives - Southeast and Metro.
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Caseload representatives – Groups 2 and 6, CHB administrators, LPHA, and Tribal agency.
Who is eligible to apply? WIC coordinators. (We encourage you to discuss this with your supervisor to obtain their support and/or approval.)
How to apply If interested, fill out the WIC Advisory Group Application . If more than one person applies to represent the group, the WIC coordinators in that group will vote.
Details:
- Meetings are held quarterly on fourth Mondays (January, April, July, and October)
- Virtual on TEAMS
- 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
- If new, an overview/orientation to advisory group will be offered
- Terms are three years for regional and caseload representatives.
- Current members can apply for another term if interested.
- More information such as terms, member definitions, roles and responsibilities can be found on our WIC Advisory Group webpage.
Questions about participating? You can contact a current advisory group member or Tina Breitenbach
Applications are due Friday, Dec. 12.
Food package updates starting Jan. 12, 2026
January food package updates include changing Whole Grains from pounds to ounces and adding various food items. 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. Review the changes: Food Package Updates Starting Jan. 12, 2026 (PDF).
NOW OPEN! Apply for the WIC Breastfeeding Award of Excellence
We are excited to announce that the local agency breastfeeding recognition program, the WIC Breastfeeding Award of Excellence, application is available!
Apply for the WIC Breastfeeding Award of Excellence on the WIC Works Resource System! The application period opened on Dec. 1 and will close on Feb. 2, 2026.
Local agencies who have operated a peer counselling program for at least one year and have met the criteria for the required core components of the WIC Breastfeeding Model for Peer Counseling are eligible for the award.
Learn more: WIC Breastfeeding Awards
Questions about applying? Watch the prerecorded webinars explaining the award, how to apply, and commonly missed questions.
If any questions, please contact Kristen Bricko.
Peer breastfeeding counselor live orientation
Welcoming a new peer breastfeeding counselor? The next live orientation for peer counselors is scheduled for Dec. 18.
Please contact Kristen Bricko with the name and email address of your new peer to be added to the list! A teams meeting invite will be sent to the peer directly, a few days prior to the orientation date.
If you have any questions, please contact Kristen Bricko .
Involving Kids in the Kitchen
Involving kids in the kitchen and encouraging them to participate in age-appropriate tasks will help develop adventurous eaters, build confidence, and is a great way to begin conversations about healthy eating. When kids help prepare meals, they are more likely to develop a positive relationship with food. Read this month’s Involving Kids in the Kitchen (PDF) to explore ways to support families in the kitchen.
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
2025 monthly champions calls
Our next participant-centered services (PCS) Champions Call is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 9. The monthly call will begin with a presentation by facilitator Bernadette Flores, followed by discussion, participation, and sharing.
No registration is required. All are welcome!
NOTE: Next month’s call will be held on Tues. Jan. 13, 2026.
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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:
- Rice County Public Health Nursing Services-WIC Program WIC Professional (CPA)
Submit job postings using the WIC Job Postings survey.
Thursday, Dec. 25 - Christmas (state offices closed)
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