October advisory group meeting notes 

Review the October 26, 2026, Advisory Group Meeting (PDF) for agenda notes.  Reach out to your advisory group representative if you have any questions.  

Save the date: Thursday, April 22

This special one-day event is designed to bring together public health and nutrition experts and to celebrate the incredible dedication and impact of our statewide WIC staff. We will have targeted sessions for coordinators/supervisors, CPAs, clerks, and breastfeeding peer counselors. All are encouraged to attend.

Event details:

• Date: Thursday, April 22, 2027, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (registration and breakfast starting at 7:30 a.m.)   
• Location: Heritage Center of Brooklyn Center (Brooklyn Center, MN)   
• Format: Live, in-person event only (sessions will not be recorded)

Registration will be available before the end of the year. If you have any immediate questions, please reach out to your state consultant or email Carole Kelnhofer, WIC training coordinator.

WIC breastfeeding award of excellence - application closes December 7

Local agencies who have operated a peer counseling program for at least one year and have met the criteria for the required core components are encouraged to apply.

Application closes Monday, Dec. 7.

Learn more about the award, eligibility, and application process at the WIC Works Resource System and watch the prerecorded webinars on commonly missed questions:

• WIC Breastfeeding Award of Excellence: Your guide to applying for the Gold Award
• WIC Breastfeeding Award of Excellence: Your Guide to applying for the Premiere and Elite Award

Questions? Contact - Kristen Bricko

WIC Coordinators

Please fill out the WIC and CSFP Service Award Survey 2027 for your staff by Tuesday, Dec. 15. 

The WIC and CSFP service year awards honor individuals with significant years of service working in WIC and/or CSFP to improve the nutrition status and health of mothers, infants, and children, and seniors.

Additional notes

• This award is for service of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, or 40 years by Dec. 31, 2027.
• Please include any retirees you would like to honor.
• Each survey can hold up to 20 staff names per agency. If you have more than 20 staff receiving service awards, please complete a second survey.
• Staff names will be announced and pins given at the 2027 Minnesota WIC education and training conference.

This survey should be completed by every agency, even if no staff have reached a milestone. Staff may decline a service pin if desired.

If you have questions or would like to see your agency’s staff list from the last conference, please reach out to Tina Breitenbach.

Weight loss medications and nutrition

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications have become increasingly common for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management. As their use increases, WIC staff may encounter participants who are currently taking a GLP-1 medication, have taken one in the past, or have questions about these medications. Weight Loss Medications and Nutrition - Topic of the Month (PDF) focuses on what you need to know that may support WIC participants taking a GLP-1 medication.