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WIC "helped get us connected as we began fostering an infant with feeding issues." ~ Helena WIC Foster Parent ~ |
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As you all know, on Thursday of last week we received approval to move forward with issuance of the increased cash value benefit (CVB) for WIC in the amount of $35 for each woman, child, and Infant (infants are only FPIII 9-11 months and receiving infant CVB specifically). This was very exciting, but also has resulted in a lot of work for us and all of you to catch up on issuance of June benefits.
Please see this Cheat Sheet for an outline of the CVB increase and steps to work through this process. Also know that since we have been anticipating this for a few months, and have expanded Farmer’s Market benefits (more funding to issue and have added infants) we are using this as an opportunity to promote purchasing, preparing and, most importantly, consuming more fruits and vegetables this summer.
Jordan has a plan to promote use of our fruit and vegetable CVB and Farmer’s Market checks through messaging and outreach including social media posts, recipe cards, education materials, and texts to current participants and potential participants. We also know many of you have plans locally. This is a very exciting time in WIC and for our families to access needed benefits to eat healthier and better utilize our program resources.
If you have any questions or need assistance issuing benefits, reach out to any of us at the State Office by Wednesday so that we can make a plan. And, thank you for your efforts in this process!
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Does your WIC agency need CPA/RDN coverage?
Whether temporarily or long-term, please contact Kati Burton, RDN, to learn more about how she can provide tele-CPA/RDN coverage by calling 406-282-4127 or sending her an email, burtonnutrition@gmail.com. Immediate coverage for times of limited staffing can be met by calling Kati as soon as possible with agency needs. On-demand CPA services, formula prescription approvals/changes, communication with a client’s healthcare provider, and high-risk nutrition education are just some of the ways Kati provides support. In the event of longer-term staff leave, such as with maternity, vacation, or any future staff shortages, call or email Kati to discuss details and establish coverage for a few days, weeks, or more. Have questions for Kati? Do not hesitate to call!
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The State Office has hemocue 301 machines and cuvettes. If you need supplies, please order using the order guide in eLearn or by emailing Lacy. |
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The State Office has created a new food item to account for Medicaid issued formula. Medicaid is first payer in Montana and WIC staff have been asked to refer to Medicaid for coverage when possible and if appropriate. If Medicaid does cover the formula, then we are asking that WIC staff issue Medicaid Issued Formula to the participant so we can count the participation and better track how much Medicaid is covering.
If you have any questions regarding policy information, please reach out to Lacy. If you are having IT issues, please reach out to the WIC Help Desk at WICHelp@mt.gov
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The U.S. Census Bureau is looking for adults and children to help test a questionnaire on smartphones. The questionnaire will be used for a national survey of Americans’ food acquisition.
We are recruiting households that receive food assistance (e.g., WIC or SNAP) and have a K–12 school child 15 years old or younger, or have individuals who are older than 60 years.
The school child will participate in the study along with the parent. The study will be conducted in May 2021. Participation in the study requires about 15 minutes per day over seven days, plus three interview sessions that will last one- to two-hours each. Adult participants will receive $125 and children $95 upon completion of the study. (Federal employees are not eligible to receive the $125.)
Please call 301-763-4979 or email csm.participate@census.gov to learn more. Please mention “FoodAPS” in the email subject line or when you call.
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