WIC Inspired Recipes – Ratatouille

Cuddle up with the family and watch the Disney movie Ratatouille while having some ratatouille for dinner! This recipe is an easy comfort food that includes lots of veggies and goes perfect with garlic bread.

Ratatouille 

4 tbsp olive oil 

4 garlic cloves (minced)

1/2 small onion (chopped)

1/3 cup shredded carrots

14 oz can crushed tomatoes

1/4 cup fresh basil

1/4 cup fresh parsley

1 small eggplant (thinly sliced, about ⅛ inch thick)

1 zucchini (thinly sliced, about ⅛ inch thick)

1 yellow squash (thinly sliced, about ⅛ inch thick)

3 Roma tomatoes (thinly sliced, about ⅛ inch thick)

1 tsp dried basil

1/2 tsp dried parsley

salt (to taste)

black pepper (to taste)

Parmesan cheese (shredded) 

Try to use the freshest produce possible, not those tomatoes that look like you should use them up before they go bad. You want the ratatouille to have a nice, even texture and the vegetables are easier to slice when they are fresh. Slice the eggplant, zucchini, yellow squash & tomatoes as evenly as possible to ensure they cook evenly in the oven.

Preheat the oven to 375F. In a large nonstick pan, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium high heat. Add in the onion, garlic, and carrot and cook about 5 – 7 minutes until tender.

Next, add in the crushed tomatoes and seasonings, simmer for 15 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Once the sauce has thickened, pour into a 2 quart baking dish.

Arrange the sliced vegetables in a circular pattern standing upright in the dish over the sauce. Brush with the remaining olive oil. 

Cover and bake for 40 minutes, then uncover and bake until vegetables are tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Sprinkle shredded parmesan cheese evenly on top and serve immediately. 

Tasty Tip: Garlic bread is a perfect addition to this recipe!

WIC INSPIRED RECIPE FROM JC FOOD MART

Get all your WIC groceries in one easy stop at any JC Food Mart location in San Antonio Bilingual clerks personally help you get all your WIC foods without all the hassle.

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

 

 

By |2022-07-19T06:03:44-05:00July 18th, 2022|Categories: Meal Planning, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping|Tags: , , , , , , , |0 Comments
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Vegetables Are WIC Foods

Summer Salads You Will Want To Eat!

Salads don’t have to be boring.

Sometimes salads get a bad reputation. After all, they are made mostly with vegetables. If you aren’t a salad lover, we have a few ideas that might change your mind. If you already love a nice crisp salad a few tips to change things up might be just what you need.  They are also a healthy side or quick meal and are a great way to eat healthy WIC foods.

Here are a few tips that will make your salad a little extra special.

ADD FRESH FRUIT

Adding sliced fresh apples or mandarins, really add something unexpected to a lettuce and tomato salad. Mangos, fresh berries, and watermelon can also be a wonderful addition. Add some of your favorites for extra color and taste.

ADD CHEESE

Grated or crumbled cheese of your choice is a great salad topper. Try anything from shredded cheddar to cubed mozzarella. It also adds great nutrition to your meal in a bowl. 

ADD HOMEMADE SALAD DRESSING

The healthiest, and the most cost-effective salad dressings are the ones you make yourself. Plus, they are super simple and fast and taste a lot more delicious. 

To make your own, here are a few ingredients you will want to have on hand. Of course, they won’t all go into the same recipe, but they are fun to mix and match to find the perfect combination. Some great dressing ingredients include: lemon juice, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, oil such as olive oil, honey mustard, and seasonings (such as garlic powder, black pepper, and Italian seasonings.)

ADD PROTEIN

Drained canned beans, boiled eggs, and canned tuna are great protein toppers for summer salads. They aren’t heavy but provide a healthy protein punch to your meal. 

ADD EXTRA CRUNCH

Depending on the flavor of your salad, it’s fun to add a little extra crunch like baked tortilla strips made homemade with tortillas. Simply take a corn tortilla and brush it with the oil of your choice. Slice it up and bake for about 15 minutes at 350 degrees (turning halfway) until they are nice and crispy. 

VEGETABLES ARE WIC FOODS – TRY THIS SALAD RECIPE

SUMMER APPLE SALAD

1 bag of fresh salad mix

2 apples, chopped

Tomatoes, chopped

Mozzarella cheese, shredded

¼ onion, chopped

Chopped carrots

Homemade Apple Vinaigrette (recipe below)

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix together. 

APPLE CIDAR VINAIGRETTE

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon honey

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/4 teaspoon salt

Ground black pepper

¼ cup olive oil

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk or add all ingredients to a mason jar, close the lid, and shake. Pour as much as you would like over your salad.

PICK UP YOUR VEGETABLES & OTHER WIC FOODS AT JC FOOD MART

Get all your summer salad ingredients at JC Food Mart. All 10  locations in San Antonio are conveniently located near WIC clinics for easy WIC grocery shopping. Everything in the store is WIC approved. Find a location near you today.

Vegetables are WIC foods. Plus, WIC is also currently offering expanded fruit and vegetable benefits. Learn more here.

By |2024-07-10T18:42:07-05:00July 5th, 2022|Categories: Meal Planning, Recipes, San Antonio, Texas WIC, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , |0 Comments
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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.

By |2022-08-17T14:07:15-05:00June 22nd, 2022|Categories: JC Food Mart, Meal Planning, Recipes, Texas WIC, WIC Grocery Shopping|Tags: , , , |0 Comments
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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.

By |2024-06-05T11:00:32-05:00June 13th, 2022|Categories: Comida Wic, JC Food Mart, Kid Activity, Meal Planning, Recipes, San Antonio, Texas WIC, WIC Food, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , , , |0 Comments
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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.

By |2022-05-26T08:37:09-05:00May 26th, 2022|Categories: Recipes, San Antonio, Texas WIC, WIC Food, WIC Food|Tags: , , , |0 Comments
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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!

By |2022-05-06T07:36:01-05:00May 6th, 2022|Categories: JC Food Mart, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , , |0 Comments
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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.

By |2022-08-17T14:08:28-05:00May 4th, 2022|Categories: JC Food Mart, Kid Activity, Recipes, San Antonio, Texas WIC, WIC Food|Tags: , , |0 Comments
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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.

By |2022-07-22T08:14:45-05:00April 25th, 2022|Categories: Baby Food, JC Food Mart, Recipes, San Antonio, Texas WIC, Texas WIC, WIC Food, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , |0 Comments
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WIC Food

Two New Products Hit Shelves

JC Food Mart is offering two new WIC-approved products: mild jarred salsa and canned tomato sauce. 

These delicious and healthy additions are perfect for busy families on the go. The salsa is perfect for dipping or adding a little spice to your favorite dishes, while the tomato sauce is a kitchen staple.

More WIC FoodAdd salsa to your favorite WIC food: everything from your scrambled eggs, to guacamole or as a healthy dip for your fresh veggies. Plus, they are perfect with beans or rice!

Canned tomato sauce is healthy, low in calories, and can be used in a variety of different dishes made with WIC food from pasta, and rice to tacos.

Both items are made by Always Save®. Also, both items are redeemable as a WIC food as a vegetable. Learn more about WIC’s expanded fruit and vegetable benefits here.  WIC Food

“We are committed to providing WIC participants with healthy, affordable food choices,” said JC Food Mart store manager. “These new products are perfect for busy families who want convenience and delicious flavor. Stop by your local store today to redeem them with your WIC benefits.”

So if you’re looking to spice up your WIC recipe options, be sure to check out jarred salsa and canned tomato sauce. They’ll make your mealtime that much easier and more delicious. 

JC Food Mart is a chain of stores that cater to WIC clients. The stores help WIC clients redeem all their WIC benefits in one easy stop. Bilingual clerks assist shoppers throughout their visit, and you can even check your WIC balance before shopping. Visit today to find out how easy WIC grocery shopping can be.

SNAP is also accepted.

 

By |2022-08-17T14:09:42-05:00April 16th, 2022|Categories: JC Food Mart, Meal Planning, Recipes, San Antonio, Texas WIC, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , , , , |0 Comments
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Easter Egg Fun For Whole Family

Easter weekend is a fun time to enjoy healthy WIC foods and get outdoors with the kids. We have rounded up some great activities and fun recipes featuring the season’s best food: eggs.

Whether you are coloring, hunting or eating them, there are so many fun ways to enjoy these nutritious little nuggets.

COLORING EGGS

Pick up a dozen eggs for your kiddos to color this Easter. We have made a step-by-step guide for coloring eggs in this blog post. This is a great activity for kids of all ages. Plus, they will love eating the results of their creative activity.

HUNTING EGGS

There is no better way to welcome spring than to enjoy some outside time with the kids in the fresh spring air. Hunting for eggs is such a fun outdoor activity for kids and adults alike. If you aren’t up for hiding colored eggs where you live, search social media for fun neighborhood egg hunts close to where you live. Another way to find a nearby egg hunt is to search on Google. Here is a search for you to see San Antonio area egg hunts.

EATING EGGS

Eggs are so delicious and nutritious. It’s why they are a favorite WIC food. Here are a few great recipes to enjoy for Easter:

MICROWAVE EGG, CHEESE & PEPPER COFFEE MUG SCRAMBLE

2 large eggs

2 tablespoons milk

2 tablespoons cheddar cheese

1 tablespoon chopped tomato

1 teaspoon minced pickled jalapeño pepper, optional

Pinch each salt and pepper

Whisk together eggs, milk, cheese, tomato, jalapeño, salt, and pepper. Pour into well-greased 12-oz microwave-safe mug or mason jar. Microwave on High for 30 seconds; Stir. Microwave for 70 to 80 seconds or until eggs are puffed and set. Substitute prepared salsa for the chopped tomato and jalapeño if desired.

Make this recipe from the American Egg Board ahead of time for an amazing Easter breakfast:

Simple Breakfast Strata

4 Slices whole grain bread

4 Eggs

½ cup milk

½ teaspoon dried thyme or oregano leaves

6 slices Canadian-style bacon, chopped

½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese (2 oz.)

Place bread in a single layer in greased 8-inch square baking dish. Beat eggs, milk, and thyme in a medium bowl until blended; pour over bread. Sprinkle with bacon. Refrigerate, covered, at least 30 minutes or as long as overnight. Heat oven to 350°F. Remove strata from refrigerator; uncover and let stand while oven heats. Bake, uncovered, in the center of 350°F oven for 30 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake until cheese is melted and strata is puffed, golden and firm in the center, about 5 minutes longer.

By |2022-04-14T10:51:01-05:00April 14th, 2022|Categories: Kid Activity, Recipes, San Antonio, Texas WIC, Videos, WIC Food|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , |0 Comments
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