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Ways To Save Money This Summer

Everything seems to cost more these days: gas, groceries, and almost everything else. Here are a few tips to help parents save money this summer on everything from groceries to gas. HINT: Maximizing Texas WIC can help!

MAKE FEWER TRIPS

One way to save gas money is to try to fit in as many errands into the same trip. Fewer trips to an area help reduce the number of miles you are driving to get there and back.  Mapping out your errands this way also helps you save time. 

For example, if you are driving to a WIC clinic to renew your benefits then pick up your WIC groceries at a nearby PWIC store that caters to WIC clients. Stores like JC Food Mart locations are usually really really close to WIC clinics. Sometimes they are even next door. Find a PWIC store near you at JCFoodMart.com/locations.

SAVE MONEY WITH WIC: USE EBT

Another way to save money is to make sure you redeem all your EBT benefits. Remember, if you don’t use your WIC benefits by the end of the month they expire. SNAP benefits never expire so redeem your WIC benefits first. Bonus, JC Food Mart locations accept WIC and SNAP EBT. 

Using programs like WIC for food benefits will help you save money on food. Plus, PWIC stores like JC Food Mart caters to WIC clients. That means we have all your WIC items in one place, and the bilingual staff is familiar with the program if you need help. 

PLAN YOUR MENU AHEAD, SAVE MONEY WITH WIC FOODS

Another way to save money is to plan your menu for the week or even the month ahead. It also helps create less waste. For example, if you roast veggies you can use them for two meals in one week by using them in a stir-fry one night, as a side, or even in a salad or a grilled sandwich. It also helps you save time because you can cook multiple meals at one time. 

Plus, check out our blog for more recipe ideas using WIC foods. 

It’s also a great activity for kids. When you get them involved, you can have age-appropriate conversations about healthy foods, meal planning, and not wasting food.

Visit These JC Food Mart Locations July 4th

Select JC Food Mart locations will open July 4th to help WIC clients needing to access their benefits the first week of the month.

The following stores will open 10 AM to 4 PM Monday July 4th: 

  • JC Food Mart at 5271 Walzem Rd., San Antonio, TX 78218
  • JC Food Mart at 5947 Ingram Rd., Ste 101, San Antonio, TX 78228
  • JC Food Mart at 6723 S. Flores,San Antonio, TX 78221
  • JC Food Mart at 3534 Fredericksburg Rd., Ste 21, San Antonio, TX 78201
  • JC Food Mart at 539 S. General McMullen, San Antonio, TX 78231
  • JC Food Mart at 842 SW Military Dr.,San Antonio, TX 78221
  • JC Food Mart at 7428 W. Military Dr., Ste J, San Antonio, TX 78227

Everyone at JC Food Mart wishes you and your family a happy and safe July 4th. 

Looking for recipes using WIC foods for a perfect for your July 4th weekend celebration? Check out our blog. 

 

Looking For Fun Summertime Activity For The Kids? 

Check Off Mealtime, Playtime At Same Time!

Who said you couldn’t play with your food? Getting kids into the kitchen is a great activity to get their creative juices flowing. It’s also a great way to keep them interested in eating healthy WIC foods.

Healthy WIC foods don’t have to be boring. In fact, you and the kids can turn their little plates into works of art all with some of your favorite WIC ingredients. Gather up some of your favorite WIC foods (oatmeal, fruits, vegetables and tuna fish) for these fun ideas that will get your kiddos excited to help out in the kitchen.

WIC FOOD: OATMEAL

Oatmeal is a super healthy WIC food. It’s also a super healthy snack. For the first snack of the day, let your kids help “decorate” a bowl of oatmeal like their pets or animals. These fruits make great faces: sliced bananas, berries of all kinds, apple pieces cut into fun shapes and maybe even a little peanut butter to hold pieces together. What little one wouldn’t love eating this yummy, healthy creation once they are done?

Oatmeal is a great WIC food because it’s full of fiber, iron and other vitamins and minerals like zinc.

WIC FOOD: FRUIT CRITTERS

Getting your kids to eat more fruit is easy when you make fruit critters. Slice up some of your favorite fruits and let your toddlers “color” their plate by turning the fruit into fun animals. You can get them started by making a few of your own. It’s also fun to cut fruit into fun shapes using kid-friendly cookie cutters.

WIC FOOD: VEGGIE PALS

Having a hard time getting enough vegetables into your tot’s stomach? Serve them a plate of green peas that look like a friendly frog.

WIC FOOD: TUNA FISHY

First, make a bowl of tuna fish, using this great Texas WIC recipe. Then let the little ones help by spreading it on a piece of toasted whole wheat bread. Place another piece of whole wheat bread on top. Let the kids decorate the sandwich into fruit to make it look like a fish. See photo above. Orange quarters, banana slices and berries can all be used to make fun fish faces and fins. Looking for a little more creative inspiration? Check out this recipe idea from Texas WIC.

Texas WIC is an advocate of getting kids in the kitchen to help in “age-appropriate ways,” and these recipes are a great way to get them involved. For more tips from including kids in the kitchen, check out these tips online.

RENEW YOUR WIC BENEFITS AND REDEEM THEM IN THE SAME TRIP

Next time you need WIC foods, visit a nearby JC Food Mart store to get all your WIC foods in one easy stop. JC Food Mart locations are located near WIC offices to make it super convenient for clients to get everything they need.

There are 10 locations throughout San Antonio. Visit online to find a store near you.

Visit our blog for more recipes using WIC foods.

Add Sparkle To Your Memorial Day Menu With WIC Foods

Looking to add a little something festive to your Memorial Day Weekend menu? Here are a few recipes that add a little something extra to round out your holiday.

Temperatures are also beginning to heat up so these recipes are easy, refreshing no-fuss bites. They are the perfect way for you to keep everyone satisfied without having to spend too much time in the kitchen. Plus, little helpers can also get involved for the perfect quality family time.

 

FRUIT SPARKLER DRINK

Break out your red and blue fruits and add them to your ice water or juice for a cool, refreshing treat. A few fun fruits to try are watermelon, strawberries, and blueberries. Don’t forget to let the kiddos help.  This is a perfect way to celebrate while spending time outside this Memorial Day weekend. 

PATRIOTIC CHEESE TRAY

Cheese platters have never been more popular! Cut up some of your favorite fruits and cheeses and arrange in fun patriotic ways. Make a red, white and blue design, like the one in the photo, using blueberries, white cheese cubes and cubed watermelon. You could also use strawberries. The design possibilities are endless and the kids will love getting involved! 

 

VEGGIE ROLL-UPS

Roll-ups make a simple, healthy snack or lunch the kids will love. Place a whole wheat tortilla on a plate, add your favorite salsa, dressing, vegetables, and cheese, and roll! Cut the rolled tortilla into bite-size pieces and enjoy! A few filling ideas include and combination of the following WIC-approved foods:  lettuce, tomato, cheese, apple, avocado, guacamole, cucumbers, raw or cooked mushrooms, and beans!

Once made and sliced, arrange on a platter for a quick family-style meal for everyone.

 

DON’T FORGET THE WATERMELON

No matter how you cut it, watermelon is a summertime staple. It’s perfect for hot days because it even can help you stay hydrated. There are so many fun ways to eat this fruit. Cut it into cubes and place it on skewers for a fun kebob. The kiddos can help by cutting watermelon slices with cookie cutters and creating fun shapes (Oh my Stars for Memorial Day!) You can even quarter watermelon and dig in with a spoon!  

JC FOOD MART CATERS TO WIC CLIENTS

Get all your WIC foods in one easy stop at any JC Food Mart location in San Antonio. To find a location near you visit us here.

JC Food Mart To Open Select Stores Memorial Day

JC Food Mart will open select locations on Memorial Day to help WIC clients needing to access their benefits at the end of the month.

The following stores will open 10AM  to 4 PM Monday, May 30: 

  • JC Food Mart at 5271 Walzem Rd.,San Antonio, TX 78218
  • JC Food Mart at 7428 W. Military Dr., Ste J, San Antonio, TX 78227
  • JC Food Mart at 3534 Fredericksburg Rd., Ste 21, San Antonio, TX 78201
  • JC Food Mart at 5947 Ingram Rd., Ste 101 San Antonio, TX 78228
  • JC Food Mart at 539 S. General McMullen, San Antonio, TX 78231
  • JC Food Mart at 842 SW Military Dr., San Antonio, TX 78221

Everyone at JC Food Mart wishes you and your family a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend. 

Looking for recipes using WIC foods for a perfect Memorial Day weekend celebration? Check out these recipes from our blog using WIC foods. 

By |2022-05-30T08:00:46-05:00May 18th, 2022|Categories: JC Food Mart|Tags: , |0 Comments

Recipes Using WIC Approved Salsa & Tomato Sauce

Recipes Spotlighting 2 New WIC-Approved Foods

JC Food Mart is offering two new WIC products that will help make healthy family recipes a breeze.

The stores are currently offering Always Save® mild jarred salsa and canned tomato sauce. These two new products can help busy moms save time in the kitchen. Here are a few recipes you are going to want to try with these two new products.

Both products are redeemable as WIC foods in the fruits and vegetable category. Learn more about WIC’s expanded fruit and vegetable benefits here

Try this recipe using our new jarred salsa:

BLACK BEAN & SALSA PASTA MELT

1 jar (16 oz) salsa

1 ½ cups of water

2 cups of elbow macaroni

1 can black beans, drained

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Add drained black beans to a skillet. Add salsa and water and stir. Bring everything to a boil. Add macaroni and reduce heat on medium-low and cover. Cook until pasta is tender, about 15 minutes. Add cheese and cover until it is melted. Enjoy!

 

Here is a recipe featuring our new tomato sauce:

EASY SKILLET VEGETABLE PASTA

½ tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

½ teaspoon garlic powder

1 can tomato sauce (8 ounces)

1 cup water

8 ounces of uncooked pasta, such as elbow macaroni

2 cups fresh or frozen vegetables (ideas: chopped carrots, tomatoes or bell peppers) 

½ cup grated cheese

Add olive oil to a pan and heat on medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic powder. Add tomato sauce, water and uncooked pasta. Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes. Add fresh or frozen vegetables, stir and cook until pasta and vegetables are tender, about 10 more minutes. Add cheese and heat until melted. Enjoy!

Visit anyJC Food Mart storeto pick up these two new products today!

Cinco De Mayo!

Ideas, Recipes For Celebrating May 5 With The Entire Family

Make Queso Using WIC Cheese & Homemade Tortilla Chips

There are so many fun ways to celebrate Cinco De Mayo with your family.  Go for a picnic, or even just decorate your home in the colors of the Mexican flag. No matter how you choose to celebrate, Cinco De Mayo is a great time to remember heritage and spend time with loved ones.

Cinco De Mayo is a holiday that celebrates when Mexican army’s victory in 1862 over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War.

Making traditional Mexican food and snacks is one way to celebrate! Yum!  Here are some great foods to add a little flavor for the holiday using WIC-approved foods: queso dip using WIC cheese and homemade tortilla chips: 

More WIC Cheese with homemade chips

HOMEMADE TORTILLA CHIPS

12 corn tortillas

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Salt

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Brush oil on both sides of the tortilla. Cut each tortilla into sixths to make triangle chips. Place cut tortillas in a single layer on baking sheets and season with salt. Bake until crispy.

More WIC Cheese

 

 

 

 

QUESO DIP WITH WIC CHEESE

1 pound American cheese slices, quartered

¼ cup milk

½ cup jarred salsa

Combine cheese and milk in a  small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until cheese is melted. Add salsa, mix and enjoy. 

CINCO DE MAYO FAMILY FUN

To celebrate in big style,  you can even make your own DIY piñata with an empty cereal box and fill it with small toys or treats. Check out this fun video tutorial on how to make your own.

 

 

 

 

For more Cinco De Mayo ideas click on the photo for a link to a post on our blog with more recipes and blog ideas.

GET WIC CHEESE + MORE AT JC FOOD MART

Get all your WIC groceries at JC Food Mart, a chain of stores that caters to WIC clients. Our unique shopping format features personalized bilingual customer service to help you get in and out with all your WIC foods as easy and fast as possible. Find out how easy WIC grocery shopping can be. Visit any of our locations in San Antonio Today.

San Antonio WIC Shopping

Benefits Of Shopping WIC at JC Food Mart

Do you find that shopping for WIC products seems frustrating?  Get all your WIC-approved groceries at JC Food Mart.

Shopping WIC at JC Food Mart is easier and faster than what you are probably used to at bigger stores. Our primary focus is WIC clients, so customers get the personalized service and attention they deserve. 

Stop wasting time and find out how easy San Antonio WIC shopping can be.

6 Benefits Of WIC Shopping At JC Food Mart

Friendly, Bilingual Staff

Our staff caters to WIC clients. They are familiar with the WIC program and can help answer your questions. They are bilingual – speaking both English and Spanish – for even added ease to your shopping experience. Plus, some of our staff have even been WIC clients. Because JC Food Mart caters to WIC clients, you are in a no-judgment zone.

Everything In The Store is WIC Approved

WIC clients won’t have to waste time searching for WIC-approved items. Everything is WIC approved. Plus, because we focus on WIC groceries, customers don’t waste any time at checkout with items not ringing up as a WIC items. We know our WIC items are WIC approved.  

Easy, Fast Shopping Format WIC Shopping

JC Food Mart locations are conveniently close to WIC clinics. Once you walk in you will discover an easy, fast shopping format geared specifically to WIC shoppers. You don’t have to search aisles. Just walk up to our counter, insert your WIC EBT card and our staff will walk you through the rest. You will have all your WIC groceries ready to go in minutes. 

We Know San Antonio WIC

Because we cater to WIC customers, we are very familiar with the WIC program. Our staff can help answer any questions you may have, and JC Food Mart has contacts with WIC staff in case there is a specific need that arises. We are here to help.

Personal WIC Shopping Help

You aren’t shopping alone at JC Food Mart. You get personalized attention from the moment you walk in the door. You won’t feel overwhelmed with getting your WIC groceries. Our staff gathers all the WIC items for you as you select them and rings them up. The process is easy and fast.

San Antonio WIC Shopping – Everything You Need In One Stop

JC Food Mart has everything you need in one place. You won’t have to go from store-to-store looking for everything you need. Visit any of our locations in San Antonio today to find out how easy WIC grocery shopping can be jcfoodmart.com/locations.

Grilled Cheese Made With WIC Foods

Grilled Cheese Is American Classic

A grilled cheese sandwich is comfort food at its best! Use WIC foods to make the best grilled cheese sandwiches.

Ewwey gooey cheese sandwiched between toasty bread. There is something so simple and satisfying about a grilled cheese sandwich. 

Kids and adults can appreciate this meal any time of year. It’s perfect dipped into a big bowl of tomato soup or as a side to a healthy salad. Kids might prefer to eat it with a side of fruit.

Plus, this recipe is made using only WIC-approved foods: whole wheat bread and cheese. Plus, it’s a great source of protein and calcium. 

So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and grill some cheese! WIC-approved whole wheat bread and cheeses are all you need to make a delicious grilled cheese sandwich that will satisfy your hunger and comfort your soul. So go ahead, and indulge in this classic American favorite today!

Because today seems like a good day for a grilled cheese sandwich so here are some recipes we know you will want to try these grilled cheese recipes with WIC foods

Grilled Cheese with WIC Foods

AMERICAN GRILLED CHEESE

2 slices of whole wheat bread

1 tablespoon butter

Cheese Slice

Heat skillet to medium heat. Generously butter one side of the slice of bread and put the butter side down into the pan. Place cheese on the side without butter.  Butter a second slice of bread and place butter side up on top of a cheese slice. Cook until lightly browned and then flip until cheese is perfectly melted. 

 

Mommy's Grilled Cheese with WIC Foods

MOMMY’S  GRILLED CHEESE

2 slices of whole wheat bread

1 tablespoon butter

Cheese Slice

Sliced Avocado

Sliced Tomato

Heat skillet to medium heat. Generously butter one side of the slice of bread and put the butter side down into the pan. Place cheese on the side without butter. Add slices of avocado and tomato slices. Butter a second slice of bread and place butter side up on top of the tomato slice. Cook until lightly browned and then flip until cheese is perfectly melted. 

WIC GROCERY SHOPPING

Get all your WIC ingredients at JC Food Mart, a primarily WIC grocery store chain with 10 locations in San Antonio. JC Food Mart helps make getting WIC groceries easier. The store only offers WIC foods and clients can get in and out in one easy stop. Clients can even check their WIC balance before shopping. Bilingual clerks assist shoppers throughout their visit. Locations are conveniently located near WIC offices.

Did you make this WIC-inspired recipe? Let’s be friends.  Tag us on Instagram or Facebook using @jcfoodmart

Find more recipes on our blog.

 

WIC Class On Bottle Feeding Baby

Texas WIC is offering a “Click & Learn” class this month on how to bottle feed your baby. WIC clients can take the free online class from the Texas WIC website.

WIC Experts will walk you through how to: 

  • Tell when baby is hungry or full
  • Prepare a bottle safely
  • Bottle feed your baby

To sign up for the class, visit TexasWIC.org class page here.

Being a new mom is stressful. Texas WIC is a free nutrition education program for qualifying mothers and their children up to age 5. The program provides free nutrition counseling, free monthly food packages for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and their children until their 5th birthday. To apply for the program, visit TexasWIC.org

 

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