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, visit Quarterly WIC Card Stock Order Form - Minnesota WIC to place your order before Tuesday, Sept. 15.

Please submit an 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/year on March 15, June 15, Sept. 15 and Dec. 15. Shipments are delivered about six weeks after the order is placed.  Please contact Nadia Anderson if you have questions. 

Artificial intelligence tools in Minnesota WIC

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) State WIC office has the following communication regarding use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools by Minnesota WIC Local Agencies: 

Minnesota Operations Manual (MOM) Policy Section 1.7: Data Privacy states Local Agencies must protect and secure private WIC participant data at all times and may not disclose or release private data except under certain circumstances following specified procedures as outlined in the Minnesota Operations Manual (MOM) Section 1.7 Data Privacy and consistent with federal regulations. Individual WIC applicant and participant information is considered private and confidential, as is most WIC retail vendor information. To ensure privacy and to protect the integrity of this confidential data, we are asking that Minnesota WIC Local Agencies NOT use any AI tools at this time, prior to further consideration. 

Please refer to Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in Minnesota WIC (PDF) or reach out to Tami Matti MIS & Data Unit Supervisor with any questions or concerns.

Folic acid

Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate found in supplements and fortified foods, and it is the only form proven to help prevent neural tube defects in infants. Supplementation is critical in the first weeks of pregnancy, and because many pregnancies are unplanned, women who may become pregnant are advised to take a daily folic acid supplement. Read Folic Acid: Topic of the Month (PDF) to learn more about the benefits of this essential nutrient. 

Scholarship and mentorship program - applications open

Interested in becoming an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)?

IBCLC Mentorship and Scholarship Program applications are now being accepted from local agency WIC staff. This program assists in preparing, studying, and applying for the March 2027 IBCLC exam. Participants can expect to spend two hours a month during the workday for the mentorship meetings, and an average of 2-3 hours a week on your own reading and studying. Study time may vary depending on the individual.

Earning an IBCLC certification assists WIC staff in feeling more confident in providing breastfeeding counseling and education to WIC families. The mentorship program is an excellent way for staff to receive support and guidance while preparing for the exam. MDH WIC will also be offering IBCLC exam cost scholarships to individuals working in areas of the state that lack lactation support providers.

Applications close Thursday, Oct. 1

For more information: WIC Lactation Continuing Education

Questions? Email Rosie.Pierce-Martin

Join us to hear more about the 2026 MN coffective projects!

Curious about the coffective grants? Interested in project ideas and resources for your local agency?

Join us to hear about five projects funded by the coffective grants! This year’s projects included emergency breastfeeding kits, outreach to local hospitals, breastfeeding classes, pumping while incarcerated and a community breastfeeding survey.

Topic: Coffective: Minnesota end of grant sharing call

Date: Wednesday, Oct. 7

Time:  10 a.m. 

Join Zoom Meeting https://coffective.zoom.us/j/85115384151?pwd=rNNEH3aFp3M8xv513zJBaQDUESkuko.1

Meeting ID: 851 1538 4151

Passcode: 192985 

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One tap mobile +16694449171,,85115384151# US +16699006833,,85115384151# US (San Jose)

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Join by SIP • 85115384151@zoomcrc.com

Join instructions https://coffective.zoom.us/meetings/85115384151/invitations?signature=kPl9-mAZDYLfIElsqrJL42xQbNABwTt0ka6b8ZefBHs

Questions? Email Rosie.Pierce-Martin@state.mn.us