VENA (Value Enhanced Nutrition Assessment) in WIC: A regional office perspective on collaborating with WIC State agencies to implement new policy and procedures that enhance WIC's role as a premier public health nutrition program

Value Enhanced Nutrition Assessment (VENA) is managed at multiple levels: national, regional, state and local. At the regional level, the role is to provide support and meet States where they are in order to assist them in moving toward implementing VENA at the WIC point of service. Regional trainings were provided to roll-out the initiative and were critical for identifying Food and Nutrition Service expectations and building consensus with State agencies. The Mid-Atlantic Regional Office partnered with State VENA Ambassadors (members of the Federal/State VENA workgroup) who provided information on health outcome-based nutrition assessment, motivational interviewing and management information system uses. Based on the training evaluations, these presentations proved very helpful. This approach not only fostered collaboration between Federal and State WIC offices, but also among State agencies within the region. The regional office, with the help of the State VENA Ambassadors, helped State agencies begin the process of examining their own policies, WIC nutrition assessment protocols, staff competencies and training, and automated systems. The team approach positively impacted the regional VENA competency training, follow-up conference calls and meetings. States have completed the self evaluation process and continue to build and share strategies through regular regional dialogues, national conferences, the WIC Works website, and other internet resources. State agencies are excited about a better way to serve participants and an improved way to counsel.