Elaina Larson Named a Minnesota WIC Everyday Hero

Elaina Larson – WIC Coordinator for Meeker County – has been named a Minnesota WIC Everyday Hero – a statewide recognition honoring outstanding contributions to the Women Infants and Children program.

Elaina was nominated by Meeker County WIC nurse Jeri Meyer who highlighted Elaina’s exceptional leadership, integrity and dedication to serving families – even amid staffing shortages and organizational change. The nomination was also supported by letters from two of her colleagues.

Public Health nurse Bethany Fiecke wrote about Elaina’s steady leadership through a period of budget cuts and staff turnover, her unwavering commitment to client privacy and confidentiality, and her willingness to adjust her own schedule so families could access benefits without delay. Bethany also pointed to Elaina’s advocacy for breastfeeding families – noting that Elaina sought out grant funding for a breastfeeding chair and worked to identify a more accessible lactation space after recognizing the existing one was difficult for many participants to reach.

WIC nurse Brenna Arveson’s letter emphasized Elaina’s role as a mentor and educator on the team, describing how she shares her knowledge patiently and builds confidence in coworkers rather than creating pressure, along with her consistently positive, solutions-oriented approach to challenges.

Together, the nomination reflects not just Elaina’s individual dedication to WIC families, but her broader impact on team culture and access to services in our rural community. Elaina Larson was recognized during last week’s Meeker County Board of Commissioner’s meeting.