Now recruiting! Join the WIC outreach workgroup
WIC is looking for local agency staff to join our state WIC outreach workgroup. The group features local agency staff from each region and meets quarterly to discuss current outreach projects, ideas, and share ideas and learn from each other.
We’re recruiting for all regions to expand our workgroup from one representative per region to multiple and fill current vacancies in the Southcentral and Southwest regions. The next term begins in November.
Additional information:
- Quarterly meetings (Feb, May, Aug., Nov.)
- Attend quarterly, provide feedback as needed via email.
- Two-year term commitment.
- Objectives:
- Main topics you find challenging when communicating with participants. What are your needs?
- What channels do you use in your region to provide outreach?
- How to reach out to our diverse communities?
- Identify top outreach materials for your region: What do you think would be best (brochures, social media, flyers) and review.
- Solidify outreach messages: What do participants in your area/state need to hear?
- Additional outreach discussions as needed to collaborate and share ideas with each other.
If you are interested, please reach out to Megan Leonard and your state WIC consultant.
Reminder
- Flyers were emailed to WIC coordinators March 18
- QR code on flyer for the participant interest form.
- Forms will be reviewed and interviews scheduled in July/August with selection finalized in late August.
- Recruitment closes Tuesday, June 30
- To date, we have 10 interest forms completed. (Metro - 3, Southwest - 3, South Central - 1, Northeast - 2, Southeast -2)
Save the date!
We are excited to announce that the Minnesota WIC 2027 Education and Training Conference will take place on Thursday, April 22, 2027, at the Heritage Center of Brooklyn Center in Brooklyn Center, MN.
For this one-day event, we will bring together leading experts to tackle some of today's vital public health and nutrition topics. More importantly, this event is designed to champion you, our incredible WIC staff from across the state. Every single month, your welcoming, engaging, and dedicated support impacts the lives of over 100,000 participants. You truly are the heart of WIC, and we will gather to honor your exceptional service!
We are getting the planning underway and will have more to share in the coming months. Contact your state consultant if you have questions.
Upcoming virtual meeting: New peer program funding allocation method
Lead peer coordinators are invited to join a virtual meeting on Tuesday, June 30 from 12:30–1:30 p.m. to learn about the new funding allocation method for peer programs.
WIC Director Kate Franken and Peer Breastfeeding Coordinator Kristen Bricko will provide an overview of the updated funding methodology, discuss what it means for local programs, and answer questions.
Please save the date and plan to attend.
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/238586974658210?p=bfejuJQmhGxsd1jAMp
Meeting ID: 238 586 974 658 210
Passcode: nG7cu2pA
Dial in by phone
+1 651-395-7448,,735903153# United States, Minneapolis
Find a local number
Phone conference ID: 735 903 153#
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
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Mon., June 22
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Tues., June 23
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Wed., June 24
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Thurs., June 25
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Fri., June 26]
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(Canceled) DBE Practice Group
1 - 2 p.m. Food & Nutrition Policy Outlook: National Updates Shaping SNAP, School Meals, and Food LabelingFood & Nutrition Policy Outlook: National Updates Shaping SNAP, School Meals, and Food Labeling
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1 - 2 p.m. WIC breastfeeding coordinator call
2:30 - 3:30 p.m. June general education session
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noon - 2 p.m. Feeding the Whole Story: Mental Health, Lactation & Client-Centered Care
2 - 3 p.m. AHEAD 3.0 Journey Map Report Summary: Findings, Recommendations, and Next Steps
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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.
Funding opportunity: MDH Healthy Housing Grants
The Minnesota Department of Health Lead and Healthy Homes Program (LHHP) is pleased to announce the Minnesota Healthy Housing Grant Request for Proposal (RFP) for the 2026–2029 grant period is now open!
The Healthy Housing Grants provide funding to perform activities related to housing-based health threats. Information on the grant and the RFP, application, and supporting documents are posted on the MDH Healthy Housing Grants . Applications for this Healthy Housing Grant are due by 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30.
These grants are an RFP process and are dependent upon the appropriation of funds by the state legislature authorized under Minn. Stat. § 144.9513 webpage to the Department of Health. The total amount of the grant funding for the entire grant period (through June 29, 2029) is $720,000. This is distributed to grantees at amounts up to $120,000 per grantee total (up to $40,000 per grantee per year, for three years). Eligible applicants are community health boards, tribal public health agencies, local community action agencies, and nonprofit organizations with current 501(c)3 status and expertise in providing outreach, education, and training on healthy housing subjects and in providing comprehensive healthy housing assessments and interventions.
For additional questions about the Healthy Housing Grants, contact Katie Haugen at katie.haugen@state.mn.us.
Friday, June 19 - Juneteenth (State office closed)
Friday, July 4 (State office closed)
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