Budget Bites to Help You Save Money

4 Tips To Save $$$

Grocery prices keep going up, and we are all looking for ways to stretch our food budgets. Here are a few tips we can all use to curb the waste, and stretch our food dollars even further.

USE MORE, WASTE LESS

If you don’t think you will use them before they go bad, freeze fruits and vegetables. Put them in freezer-safe containers or bags and mark with a date. These frozen portions are great to add to soups or smoothies. 

Save veggie scraps like potato rinds, ends of onions and celery pieces,  to make veggie broth. These vegetables will make a perfect vegetable broth that is delicious in soups.  

Use leftovers creatively. You can turn almost any leftovers into a completely different meal. For example, did you make roasted veggies as a side dish this week? Use the leftovers in a delicious omelet. You cook once and have two delicious meals. Plus, you save time in the kitchen. 

MAXIMIZE WIC BENEFITS

One of the best ways to maximize your WIC benefits is to use your SNAP benefits first. Your SNAP benefits roll over, but your WIC benefits expire at the end of the month. USE WIC FIRST. 

Make fewer trips. If you are making a trip to the WIC clinic, redeem your WIC benefits during the same trip. JC Food Mart, which caters to WIC clients, are conveniently located near WIC clinics. JC Food Mart caters to WIC clients and helps them redeem their benefits in one easy, fast trip. 

PLAN AHEAD

By planning ahead you can save time and money. Plan your menu for the week. See what ingredients can be used to do double duty in your recipes. For example, are you making a homemade soup and stir-fry dish this week? Get an onion that can be used for both. What other ingredients can be used in both meals? Stretch your food dollars by using simple recipes with less ingredients.  Plus, it is a great way for your kids to help. Make a menu together on a chalkboard or a colorful paper that they can help create. 

KEEP IT SIMPLE

One of the best ways to save money cooking is to make simple, nutritious recipes that don’t have a ton of ingredients. Buy pantry staples like seasonings on sale or in bulk. Make your own salad dressing using olive oil and simple seasonings.

Get all your WIC foods in one easy stop conviently located next to WIC clinics. Visit any JC Food Mart in San Antonio today.

 

 

 

Texas WIC’s New Contract Formulas

On Oct. 1, 2022, Texas WIC’s new formula contract went into effect. The listed Similac products
become the corresponding Enfamil product.

This Similac Product…. ….Becomes This Enfamil Product
Similac Advance 12.4oz PWD 

Enfamil Infant 12.5 oz PWD

Similac Advance 20.6oz PWD

 

Enfamil Infant 12.5 oz PWD

 

Similac Advance 30.8 oz PWD

 

Enfamil Infant 12.5 oz PWD

 

Similac Pro Advance 20.6oz PWD

Enfamil Infant 12.5 oz PWD

Similac Pro Advance 30.8oz PWD

Enfamil Infant 12.5 oz PWD

Similac Advance 13oz CON

Enfamil Infant 13oz CON

Similac Advance 32oz RTU

Enfamil Infant 32oz RTU

Similac Sensitive 12.5oz PWD

 

Enfamil Gentlease 12.4oz PWD

Similac Sensitive 20.1 PWD 

Enfamil Gentlease 12.4oz PWD

Similac Sensitive 29.8 oz PWD

Enfamil Gentlease 12.4oz PWD

Similac Pro Sensitive 20.1 oz PWD

Enfamil Gentlease 12.4oz PWD

Similac Pro Sensitive 29.8oz PWD

Enfamil Gentlease 12.4oz PWD

Similac Sensitive 32oz RTU

Enfamil Gentlease Neuropro 32oz RTU

Similac For Spit Up 12.5oz PWD

Enfamil A.R. 12.9 OZ PWD

Similac For Spit Up 19.5oz PWD

Enfamil A.R. 12.9 OZ PWD

Similac Total Comfort 12.6oz PWD

Enfamil Gentlease 12.4oz PWD

Similac PRO Total Comfort 20.1oz PWD

Enfamil Gentlease 12.4oz PWD

Similac PRO Total Comfort 29.8 PWD

Enfamil Gentlease 12.4oz PWD

 

Texas WIC’s Expanded Fruit & Vegetable Benefits Extended Thru Dec. 16

The WIC Fruit, Vegetable Bump Extended Thru Dec. 16

Texas WIC’s extended fruit and vegetable benefits are now extended thru December! Congress approved the expanded benefits last week, which were set to expire at the end of September.

The new benefits are now available thru Dec. 16.

According to Texas WIC, “Participants who receive the increased benefits in December are able to redeem them throughout the entire month.”

According to Texas WIC, the new Cash Value Benefits (CVB) amounts for fruits and vegetables are:

  • $25 monthly for children
  • $44 monthly for pregnant and postpartum participants
  • $49 monthly for fully and partially breastfeeding participants
  • $73.50 for mothers breastfeeding multiple children

The expanded WIC fruit and vegetable benefits was expected to return to $11 for pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women and $9 for children Oct. 1.

WIC clients should contact a local WIC office if they have questions about these benefits.

WIC clients can get all their WIC groceries in one easy stop at any JC Food Mart ocation in San Antonio. There are 10 stores conveniently located near WIC clinics. Find a location online.

Texas WIC Formula Changes Take Effect Oct. 1

On Oct. 1, Texas WIC’s new formula contract went into effect.

Texas WIC’s contract for milk-based formulas has switched from Abbott Laboratories, the makers of Similac, to Mead Johnson, the makers of Enfamil products. The new contract is only for milk-based formulas. All other formula products remain unchanged. 

“All WIC participants receiving standard milk-based infant formulas will be transitioned to Enfamil products for benefits beginning October 2022,” according to a statement from Texas WIC.

There is a Mead Johnson product equivalent for every Abbott Laboratories product.  

If you haven’t already discussed this change with your local WIC office, contact them at your earliest convenience. 

“The WIC program is required to have a contract with one specific formula company to help keep costs down. We renew the contract every 5 years. The award for the contract from October 2022 – September 2027 for milk based formula is Mead Johnson, the makers of Enfamil. The soy-based formula will continue to be with Abbott, the makers of Similac,” according to a statement from Texas WIC.

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Quick, Easy Family Meal Features Whole Grains

Whole grains are a great source of nutrition. Texas WIC features several approved-foods that offer whole grains. This recipe for Pasta with Peas from the “staff favorites” from the Whole Grain Council is a super easy, quick meal that can be made in 15 minutes for the entire family. Find more recipes like this one on their website.

Pasta with Peas

2 eggs, beaten

½ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

1 cup frozen peas

12 ounces whole wheat pasta

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 large onion, thinly sliced

Salt and pepper to taste

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and break linguini in half and cook according to package directions. 

While the pasta is cooking, combine the eggs and cheese in a small bowl, beat, and set aside. Put peas in a strainer, rinse under hot water, and set aside.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Add the onion and sauté for several minutes, until it softens. Add the peas to the skillet and cook for about one minute longer.

Drain the pasta and add to the skillet. Toss gently to mix. Create a well in the center, add the eggs and cheese, and cook until they are starting to firm up. Toss with the pasta and cook for another 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and serve hot.

Recipe Spotlight Using WIC Foods

In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, we will be spotlighting several recipes you can make in your kitchen. This one, “A Simple Mexican Salad” is from the USDA website and came from the Oregon State University Cooperative Extension Service. It’s a refreshing salad with a little bite. It’s cool and refreshing flavors are very comforting. 

 

A Simple Mexican Salad

Chili powder and lime juice are the secret ingredients in this cucumber and orange salad.

2 cucumbers

2 oranges

1 lemon or lime (the juice)

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

Wash the cucumbers, oranges and lemon or lime under cold running water. Slice the cucumbers. Peel and cut the oranges into small pieces. Place cucumber slices and orange pieces in a medium size bowl. Add chili powder, lemon or lime juice and salt.

Get all your WIC foods in one easy stop at any JC Food Mart. There are 10 locations in San Antonio.

 

Let’s celebrate whole grains! 

September is Whole Grains Month! 

Whole grains are an important part of a healthy diet. Texas WIC food packages also include whole grains, including brown rice, whole wheat bread and tortillas, corn tortillas, oatmeal and whole-wheat pasta. 

Health experts recommend including whole grains in our diets because they can help “reduce risks of heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and obesity,” according to the Oldways Whole Grains Council.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that at least half of all the grains you eat are whole grains. If you’re like most people, you’re not getting enough whole grains — so see how to make whole grains a part of your healthy diet.

Grains can be either whole or refined. Whole grains have the entire grain kernel, and include whole-wheat flour, oatmeal and brown rice to name a few. Refined grains remove fiber, iron and some vitamins. Examples include white flour, bread and rice. 

In honor of whole grains month, here is a recipe to try:

 

Whole-Grain Tuna Rice Cakes

1 can tuna, undrained

2 cups cooked rice

1/4 cup finely chopped celery

1 Tbsp finely chopped onion

1 slice of whole wheat bread, shredded or crumbled

Dash or two of ground black pepper

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the tuna with its liquid, rice, celery, onion, bread and pepper. Stir in the eggs and mix well. Form mixture into 4 patties using about ¼ cup mix for each. Heat oil in a pan over medium high heat. Add patties and brown on each side. Enjoy!

Get all your WIC foods at JC Food Mart in one easy stop. JC Food Mart is a chain of grocery stores that caters to WIC clients. There are 10 locations in San Antonio. Visit today!

 

September Packed With Family-Fun Activities

< July 2024 >
MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturdaySunday
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19Let's Create: Sensory ArtLet's Create: Sensory ArtTime: 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Create a masterpiece painting with colors coming from spices and teas. It’s art that smells good! The colors and aromas will surprise you.
San Pedro Library
Address 1315 San Pedro Ave.
San Antonio, TX 78212
Let's Play! Family Board GamesLet's Play! Family Board GamesTime: 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Let's Play! Visit the library for some fun family board games. All ages welcome. Younger children with parent assistance.
Great Northwest Library
9050 Wellwood
San Antonio, TX 78250
20Illusions by BlakeIllusions by BlakeTime: 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Advance tickets will be available at the Reference Desk starting the day before the event during open hours. Advance Tickets guarantee seating up until 5 minutes before the event has started; tickets are limited. Advance Ticket holders will be admitted once the performer is ready. Reserve Tickets will be available beginning one hour before the event; Reserve Ticket holders will not be seated until 5 minutes before the event begins. Starting 5 minutes before the beginning of the event, all ticket holders will be admitted until the room is full or until 5 minutes AFTER the event has started.
Brook Hollow Library
530 Heimer
San Antonio, TX 78232
21Free Day San Antonio Museum of ArtFree Day San Antonio Museum of ArtTime: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Bexar County Residents Free General Admission Hours:
Sunday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. generously funded by the Mays Family Foundation.
200 W. Jones Ave.
San Antonio, Texas 78215
Toddler Story TimeToddler Story TimeTime: 11:00 am - 11:30 pm
Toddlers actively participate in stories, music, and movement to enhance their social, emotional and language development. Designed for children 18 to 36 months, but birth through 5-year-olds may also enjoy this program.
Pruitt Library
5110 Walzem Road
San Antonio, TX 78218
22Yard Games Inside!Yard Games Inside!Time: 12:15 pm - 1:15 pm
Play Cornhole, Giant Jenga, Giant Connect 4 and more! Stay for a little while or the whole hour to test your skills with your family or new friends!
Schaefer Library
6322 US Hwy 87 East
San Antonio, TX 78222
23Baby TimeBaby TimeTime: 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm
Join us for a lapsit story time especially for babies 0-18 months and their caregivers. A very short story, songs, and rhymes are followed by a brief playtime.
Thousand Oaks Library
4618 Thousand Oaks
San Antonio, TX 78233
San Antonio Museum of Art Free DaySan Antonio Museum of Art Free DayTime: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Bexar County Residents Free General Admission Hours:
Tuesday, 4 to 7 p.m. generously funded by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program.
200 West Jones Avenue, San Antonio, Texas 78215
24Outdoor Family Story TimeOutdoor Family Story TimeTime: 10:10 am - 11:00 am
Let's share stories, songs, rhymes and more at an interactive program for children 5 and younger. Bring chairs or blankets if you'd like, and we'll meet on the playground. Stay for play time after the program.
Schaefer Library
6322 US Hwy 87 East
San Antonio, TX 78222
25Pre-School Story TimePre-School Story TimeTime: 10:15 am - 12:00 am
Preschoolers enjoy stories and songs that develop early literacy skills and foster curiosity. Recommended for 3-5 year old's and a caregiver.
Maverick Library
8700 Mystic Park
San Antonio, TX 78254
26Toddler Story Time at ParmanToddler Story Time at ParmanTime: 11:15 am - 12:00 am
Participants move, sing, talk, read, and play together in this highly energetic and interactive program designed for inquisitive toddlers and their grownups.
Designed specifically for children 18 to 36 months.
Space is limited. Free tickets available 15 minutes before program.
Parman Library
20735 Wilderness Oak
San Antonio, TX 78258
27Family Story TimeFamily Story TimeTime: 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Children and their grownups listen to stories and enjoy simple, shared activities. A time for families to have fun together. All ages welcome.
Westfall Library
6111 Rosedale Ct.
San Antonio, TX 78201
Big Time Bubbles at Blossom ParkBig Time Bubbles at Blossom ParkTime: 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Big Time Bubbles at Blossom Park. Wear your bathing suit and bring a towel for music and foam to cool off on this summer morning!
Brook Hollow Library
530 Heimer
San Antonio, TX 78232
28Free Day San Antonio Museum of ArtFree Day San Antonio Museum of ArtTime: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Bexar County Residents Free General Admission Hours:
Sunday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. generously funded by the Mays Family Foundation.
200 W. Jones Ave.
San Antonio, Texas 78215
Baby Story TimeBaby Story TimeTime: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Let's sing, read, write, talk, and play together! Romp through rhymes, songs, and stories with a skilled Children's Librarian to get your baby giggling, wiggling, and learning.
Afterwards, you are welcome to stay and connect with other families in your community. Limited toys will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own too. Recommended for infants through confident walkers or zero to 18 months.
Landa Library
233 Bushnell
San Antonio, TX 78212
29Indoor Game TimeIndoor Game TimeTime: 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Get out of the heat for indoor fun! Join us for ping pong, Giant Connect 4, Giant Jenga, Cornhole, checkers, bowling, hopscotch and building. Recommended for 4-12 years old.
Semmes Library
15060 Judson Rd.
San Antonio, TX 78247
30Story TimeStory TimeTime: 11:00 am - 11:50 am
Children and their families are invited to enjoy stories, songs, rhymes, and activities. Recommended for 3 to 5 year olds, but all ages welcome. Space is limited.
Free tickets available 20 minutes before program.
Potranco Library
8765 State Hwy 151
San Antonio, TX 78245
31Pre-School Story TimePre-School Story TimeTime: 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Preschoolers will experience stories, songs, and rhymes enhancing their social, emotional, and language development. Followed by child-lead free play.
Semmes Library
15060 Judson Rd.
San Antonio, TX 78247
       
By |2022-09-15T13:11:30-05:00September 6th, 2022|Categories: Kid Activity|Tags: , |0 Comments
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