memo
DATE:
April 20, 2016
TO:
WIC Administrators & Coordinators
FROM:
State WIC Staff
SUBJECT:
Grant Money for WIC Program Clinic Renovation and/or Expansion
The MDH WIC Program has been awarded additional grant funds for FFY2016 from USDA to be
used for WIC clinic facility renovation or expansion. The purpose of the funds is to reach all
WIC-eligible individuals and retain participation in WIC of children after age 1. WIC child
retention is a priority initiative for USDA nationally and for Minnesota WIC as well.
Background: WIC services are throughout Minnesota; however some clinics and facilities have
been in operation since WIC’s inception and need renovation and/or updating. We must
ensure that WIC services are easily accessible to families in the community and provide a safe,
welcoming and comfortable environment for young families and children beyond infancy.
Proposals: Local Agencies may apply for grant funds to renovate or expand WIC clinic
facilities, including clinic sites that increase access to WIC for underserved populations. (The
proposals are meant to be substantive – more than just the purchase of toys and posters to
improve clinic environment.) Proposed projects may vary from small to large expenditures.
Priority projects will:
•
Strengthen Local Agency’s ability to attract and retain WIC participants, including
improved services to underserved populations;
•
Address needs or issues identified during a Management Evaluation;
•
Improve clinic flow, clinic privacy, access to nutrition education and breastfeeding
support;
•
Be completed by September 30, 2016.
Timeline: Applications due May 20, 2016.
•
April – May 2016: Accept local agency proposals for clinic renovation and/or expansion.
•
Late May 2016: Evaluate proposals and award local agency grant funds. USDA approval
may be required for large projects.
•
June – September 2016: Completion of projects and funds expended by September 30,
2016.
Local Agency staff who have clinic facility project proposals, should complete the:
•
Local Agency Clinic Renovation Template included in this Wednesday Update; and
Request to Increase Administrative Funds (RIAF) A detailed budget with a total amount
should also be attached to this form. And if the proposal includes clinic construction,
please include more than one quote for the construction work to ensure a fair bid
process.
Submit these documents to your WIC Regional Consultant by Friday, May 20, 2016.
•
If your agency has recently submitted a “Request for an Increase in Administrative Funds” that
could qualify for these special grant funds, State staff will include those proposals as well. You
will be asked to complete the Local Agency Clinic Renovation Template to complete the
application packet.
Thank you for all of your work in providing quality nutrition services to your local families. If
you have any questions about these grant funds and the application process, please feel free to
contact your WIC Regional Consultant.
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