Important Update

The Government is open. Texas WIC is operating as usual, and WIC benefits are being issued like they always have been. There have been no changes to the WIC program. 

 Since talk began of a government shutdown, some WIC clients may be confused about the status of the WIC program. A government shutdown was recently avoided, and WIC is operating as usual. Congress is still working to get the government funded past Nov. 17th. While we can’t speak for WIC, we don’t believe there will be any impact to the program in the near future. 

JC Food Mart stores are helping customers redeem benefits as usual. We are open for business. We hope to see you soon.

By |2023-10-05T09:39:06-05:00October 5th, 2023|Categories: JC Food Mart, Texas WIC, Texas WIC|0 Comments

Halloween Deviled Eggs

Use WIC approved foods to make this fun Halloween recipe!

 

Ingredients:

6 boiled eggs

1 avocado

Green & Purple or Red food coloring

Paprika, Salt & Pepper to taste

 

Boil 6 eggs. Crack the shell of each egg all around with a spoon, but don’t peel them! Add the boiled eggs into a tupperware filled with water that covers all of the eggs, and add red or purple food coloring to the water. Let them sit in the fridge overnight to soak up the food coloring and give a spooky spider web effect. Peel the eggs and cut in half. Remove the yolk and add to a bowl along with a sliced avocado. Mix the yolk & avocado together and add green food coloring to enhance the color. Add a spoonful of the green mixture to each egg and top with paprika, salt & pepper.

Texas WIC Expanded Fruit and Vegetable Benefits Extended To Nov. 17th

Texas WIC has announced that the expanded fruit and vegetable benefits will be extended through Nov. 17th. 

WIC clients are offered Cash Value Benefits through the WIC program. The extended benefits are:

  • Children get $26 each month 
  • Pregnant, postpartum women get $47 each month 
  • Breastfeeding WIC clients get $52 each month 

According to Texas WIC, all clients who receive benefits on or before November 17 will get the higher amounts for the entire month of November. 

“if you are pregnant and have two children (ages 1-5) receiving WIC, you will get $99 ($47 mom + $26 child + $26 child = $99) each month in October and November to buy fruit and vegetables,” according to the Texas WIC website. “If you already have benefits on your card for October and November contact your local WIC office for a time to update your benefits.” 

If changes are not approved by congress, the fruit and vegetable cash value benefit amount will return to its original levels on Nov. 18th. The original benefit levels are $12 for pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women and $10 for children ages 1 to 5.

By |2023-10-04T09:17:34-05:00October 4th, 2023|Categories: Texas WIC|0 Comments

Peach Smoothie

Sprinkle cinnamon on top of this tasty peach smoothie to make it the perfect fall treat while we’re still experiencing summer temperatures. Gather up these WIC-approved foods to make this refreshing treat. 

DELICIOUS PEACHY TREAT

1 cup vanilla yogurt

1 peach, sliced (or 1 cup frozen peaches)

1 banana

1 cup milk

1 cup ice

Cinnamon (optional)

Blend the first five ingredients. Pour into a cup and sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon.

Thai Pasta Salad

Get ready to impress everyone with your cooking skills with this amazing Thai Pasta Salad! It’s bursting with colors and flavors that will make your taste buds explode. Not only is it super easy to make, but it’s also a great way to use up your WIC-foods in a delicious and nutritious way. Don’t wait any longer, give it a try tonight and surprise your family with a mouthwatering meal!

THAI PASTA SALAD

1 box of whole wheat pasta

1 cup diced red cabbage

1 cup diced cucumber

½ cup shredded carrots

⅓ cup diced green onion

Sauce:

½ cup peanut butter

1 tbsp honey

1 tsp apple cider vinegar

1 tbsp soy sauce

½ cup water

Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, drain and set aside to cool. While the pasta is cooking and cooling, chop your veggies and make the sauce. Combine the sauce ingredients in a bowl and whisk together until smooth. Add all of the pasta, veggies, and sauce together in a large bowl and toss together. This recipe makes about 6 servings.

Summer Smoothie Series: Coffee Smoothie

Delightful Summer Treat For Parents

Tired parents, listen up! Get ready to wake up and feel energized with this awesome coffee smoothie. Made with WIC ingredients + coffee, it’s the perfect way to recharge. Plus, it’s a refreshing treat you can enjoy any time of day. Just a heads up though, if you’re expecting or breastfeeding, remember to take it easy on the caffeine.

COFFEE SMOOTHIE

1 banana

⅓ cup peanut butter

1 cup of coffee, cooled to room temperature (you can use caffeinated or decaffeinated)

¾ cup of milk

1 ½ cups of ice

Blend & Enjoy!

Celebrating Labor Day Weekend: A Time To Recharge, Relax

Labor Day weekend is almost here! For Texas WIC mothers, this occasion offers a perfect opportunity to step back, recharge, and revel in the joys of this well-deserved break.

Honoring Your Labor

 As a mother on the WIC program, you are engaged in one of the most important jobs of all – nurturing and caring for your precious family. This Labor Day, take a moment to recognize the labor of love you invest in your family every single day.

Quality Time with Family

Labor Day weekend extends the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with your loved ones. Whether you choose to have a picnic in a local park, organize a family barbecue, or simply have a movie night at home, cherish these moments together. Create memories that will last a lifetime and strengthen the bonds that make your family unique.

Relax and Rejuvenate

Labor Day weekend is also a prime time to practice self-care. As a devoted mother, you’re constantly putting the needs of others before your own. Use this break to prioritize your well-being. Whether it’s indulging in a soothing bubble bath, reading a book you’ve been meaning to delve into, or simply enjoying some quiet moments alone, remember that taking care of yourself is essential.

Embracing the End of Summer

As Labor Day weekend unofficially marks the end of summer, it’s a great opportunity to embrace the seasonal shift. Consider organizing a farewell-to-summer gathering with friends and family. Plan a potluck, where everyone brings a dish representing their favorite summer memory. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the past few months and welcome the autumn season with open arms.

Whether it’s spending time with family, exploring local gems, or simply enjoying moments of peace, embrace this opportunity to recharge and rejuvenate. Remember, your labor of love is worth celebrating, and this weekend is all about honoring the incredible efforts you put into your family every day.

Labor Day Recipe Ideas Using WIC Foods

Labor Day is a great time to enjoy delicious and hearty recipes with family and friends. Here are some recipes that you can make using WIC-approved ingredients, perfect for a Labor Day gathering:


CORN, TOMATO SALAD

Combine  the following in a bowl:

Corn kernels

Diced tomatoes

Chopped cilantro

Red onion

Dress with a mixture of lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper for a refreshing summer salad.

CREAMY COLESLAW

Make coleslaw using shredded cabbage, grated carrots, and chopped apples. Create a creamy dressing using plain yogurt, a touch of mayonnaise, lemon juice, and a hint of honey (optional)

CARROT AND APPLE SLAW

¼ cup of Carrots, grated 

¼ cup of Apples, grated

¼ cup of Greek yogurt

2 tablespoons of honey

2 tablespoons lemon juice.

Grate carrots and apples. Mix with Greek yogurt, honey, and a splash of lemon juice. Refrigerate and serve as a refreshing side.

Summer Smoothie Series: Berry Smoothie

BERRY SMOOTHIE

1 cup vanilla yogurt

½ cup strawberries, chopped (fresh or frozen)

½ cup cherries, pitted (fresh or frozen)

½ cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)

1 banana, peeled

1 cup milk

1 cup ice

Blend & enjoy!

Cooking Up Memories: Getting Young Kids Involved in the Kitchen

The kitchen can be a fun place for kids and parents to spend time together. Parents can help foster a positive relationship between their children and food by letting them help in the kitchen. Kids ages 1 to 5 are curious, eager to learn and want to spend time together. Here’s a guide on how to get your little ones engaged and having fun in the kitchen.

Safety First

Before getting in the kitchen together, prioritize safety. Clear the cooking area of any hazards, like sharp objects or hot surfaces. Use kid-friendly utensils with blunt edges, and make sure to supervise closely during all kitchen activities.

Create a Kid-Friendly Space

Set up a dedicated area within the kitchen where your little chef can comfortably work alongside you. A step stool (depending on age) can make reaching the counter easier or using the kitchen table, allowing them to feel more involved in the cooking process.

Easy Tasks

Let them get involved in washing vegetables, tearing lettuce, or stirring ingredients. Praise their efforts and celebrate their accomplishments to boost their confidence.

Engage the Senses

Cooking is a sensory experience. Encourage your child to touch, smell, and even taste different ingredients. Allow them to explore the textures of flour, the aroma of herbs, and the vibrant colors of fruits and vegetables.

(more…)

Texas WIC Returns To Offices

Texas WIC has resumed full program services at its offices.

On Aug. 10th, 2023 the agency returned to offering its full, regular services at its offices across the state. The agency was modified during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Texas WIC offers nutrition screenings, breastfeeding support, weighing and measuring pregnant women, infants and children to assess growth. Nutrition classes, counseling and even personalized referrals to other programs are part of their offerings.

The Texas WIC program is open to qualifying pregnant women, mothers and children up to age 5. It provides nutrition education, counseling and free food packages to help ensure children get a healthy start.

To learn more about the program or to apply, visit TexasWIC.org.

By |2023-08-30T12:33:42-05:00August 18th, 2023|Categories: Texas WIC|Tags: |0 Comments
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