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.

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Summer Smoothie Series: Green Smoothie

GREEN SMOOTHIE

This green smoothie has quickly become a breakfast favorite, as it’s packed with lots of good fats that give you a great start to the day by feeling nourished and energetic.

2 avocados, pitted & peeled

2 bananas, peeled

1 cup vanilla yogurt

1 cup milk

1 ½ cups ice

Blend & enjoy!

Summer Smoothie Series: Strawberry Banana Smoothie

Beat the heat with this Strawberry Banana Smoothie from our Summer Smoothie Series! Using all WIC approved ingredients, this smoothie makes a great breakfast or snack that’s sure to cool you down.

Strawberry Banana Smoothie

1 cup vanilla yogurt

2 bananas

1 ½ cup strawberries

2 handfuls of ice

1 cup milk

Blend & enjoy!

Recipe Using WIC-Approved Foods

Foil-Packed Potatoes Made On The Grill

These grilled potatoes cooked in a foil packet are the tastiest potatoes you will ever make!  Plus, they are super easy. 

Foil Pack Potatoes

1 Russett potato, diced

1/2 onion, diced

1 bell pepper, diced

1 tablespoon of olive oil, or oil of your choice

1 to 2 tablespoons of seasonings of your choice (we used garlic herb)

2 sheets of foil

Combine everything on one sheet of foil and top with a second sheet of foil crimp edges so the ingredients do not fall out. Put the grill on medium to medium high for 20 minutes. Flip packet about halfway through. You can cook longer for crunchier potatoes. 

Looking for easy WIC-inspired recipes for your kitchen? Check out our blog at jcfoodmart.com/blog. Get all your WIC foods at JC Food Mart. Bilingual clerks help you shop for all your foods so you are in-and-out fast with everything you need.

Now Offering Organic Baby Food

Mom’s Organic Choice Now at JC Food Mart

Every mom wants the healthiest food for their baby. That’s why we are now offering Mom’s Organic Choice baby food- the perfect baby food option for health-conscious moms. 

JC Food Mart now offers a range of delicious fruit, vegetable and combination flavors of Mom’s Organic Choice baby food. Packed in convenient, resealable, BPA-free containers, these organic baby food options are designed with busy moms in mind.

JC Food Mart stores already has an array of flavors to pick from, including: apple, banana, pear spinach pea, apple banana pear, apple banana strawberry, pear, banana mixed berry, apple blueberry, apple mango, carrot apple pear and sweet potato. 

Mom’s Organic Choice is a woman-owned business that is “proud to offer products that are free from artificial preservatives, colors and flavors and are made with simple, organic ingredients,” according to their website. 

Experience the convenience of having an array of healthy, organic baby food choices to redeem using your WIC benefits. Pick up some of your baby’s favorite flavors today at JC Food Mart. Locate the nearest store by visiting our locations page. 

Fried Egg & Black Bean Tostadas

Egg & Black Bean Tostadas

Corn tortillas

Canned black beans (slightly mashed)

Shredded cheddar cheese

Enchilada sauce

Eggs

Fresh or pickled red onion

Cilantro

Fry the corn tortillas in oil on medium high heat and set aside. 

Microwave the canned black beans in a microwave safe dish until warm and slightly mash the beans with a fork. Pour enchilada sauce onto pan, then sprinkle shredded cheese and allow to cook for a few minutes. Crack an egg on top of each pile of enchilada sauce and cheese and cook until egg whites are fully cooked. Top with your choice of fresh or pickled red onion and cilantro.

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