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 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.

 

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.

Quiches Are Perfect WIC Dinner

WIC Foods Found Perfect Pairing with Springtime Quiches

Need to whip up a quick WIC dinner? There are few recipes more perfect for spring than a delicious quiche.  They are made with eggs and cheese and often feature springtime vegetables, WIC ingredients that are healthy and tasty.

There are so many different combinations for quiche. They can be made with a pie crust or crustless. They can spotlight different flavors of cheese for a little variety. They can be eaten for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

To kick off spring here are a few quiche recipes we know you will enjoy. 

More WIC Dinner

The first recipe comes from USDA’s recipes perfect for Easter. It’s a basic quiche you can enjoy anytime:

BASIC QUICHE

1 pie crust (baked, 9-inch)

1 cup of vegetables (chopped, broccoli, zucchini, or mushrooms)

1/2 cup cheese (shredded)

3 egg (beaten)

1 cup milk (non-fat)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Shred the cheese with a grater. Put it in a small bowl for now.Chop the vegetables until you have 1 cup of chopped vegetables. Cook the vegetables until they are cooked, but still crisp. Put the cooked vegetables and shredded cheese into a pie shell. Mix the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a bowl. Pour the egg mix over the cheese and vegetables.Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let the quiche cool for 5 minutes before serving.

For nutrition information, please visit Basic Quiche  at What’s Cooking? USDA Mixing Bowl.

WIC Dinner More

 

This next recipe makes a “magic” crust so no pie shell is needed. It is from USDA’s My Plate.

MAGIC QUICHE

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1/2 cup onion (chopped)

2 cups vegetables (can use frozen, fresh or leftovers)

1 cup cheddar cheese, low-fat (shredded)

3 eggs

1 1/2 cups milk, 1%

3/4 cup baking mix (like Bisquick)

Cook onion in oil (or cook with vegetables).  Cook vegetables (or use leftovers). Drain well. Grease round pie pan or 8 x 8 inch baking dish. Spread cooked vegetables in pan. Spread cheese on top of vegetables. Mix milk, eggs and baking mix. Pour over vegetables and cheese. Bake at 350 degrees F for 35 minutes, until a safe internal temperature has been reached and a knife inserted into the middle comes out clean. Suggest preparing with frozen broccoli or spinach. Source: Simple Healthy Recipes Oklahoma Nutrition Information and Education ONIE Project.

GET WIC DINNER INGREDIENTS AT JC FOOD MART

Get all your WIC ingredients at JC Food Mart, a primarily WIC grocery store chain with 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

 

 

WIC Inspired Recipe – Oatmeal Banana Muffins

Use WIC Oatmeal, Bananas, Eggs, Milk + More For This Recipe

This whole wheat, maple-sweetened banana muffins are so tasty and moist, you wouldn’t guess they’re healthy muffins! They’re easy to make as well, with basic ingredients, including WIC foods,  that can go in just one mixing bowl. If you love bananas as much as I do, then try cutting up an extra banana & adding a slice in the middle of each muffin before baking. 

The recipe makes 12 muffins. These muffins will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Maple Sweetened Oatmeal Banana Muffins

⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil

½ cup maple syrup or honey

2 eggs

1 cup packed mashed ripe bananas (about 3 bananas)

¼ cup milk of choice

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon cinnamon, plus more for sprinkling on top

1 ¾ cups white whole wheat flour or regular whole wheat flour

⅓ cup rolled oats, plus more for sprinkling on top

1 teaspoon raw sugar or other granulated sugar, for sprinkling on top

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. If you don’t have a non-stick muffin pan, grease all 12 cups of your muffin tin.

In a large bowl, beat the olive oil and maple syrup together with a whisk. Add the eggs and beat well. Mix in the mashed bananas and milk, followed by the baking soda, vanilla extract, salt and cinnamon. Add the flour and oats to the bowl and mix with a large spoon until combined.

Divide the batter evenly between the muffin cups. Sprinkle the tops of the muffins with a small amount of oats, followed by a light sprinkling of sugar. Bake muffins for 22 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a muffin comes out clean.

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

 

 

WIC Online Classes

Texas WIC Helps Parents Online

Texas WIC is ready to help parents from pregnancy to toddler. They even have free classes online each month to help parents learn the ropes. 

During March, WIC online classes range in topics from how to feed your baby to a live demonstration with a guest speaker on “Fearless Family Meals” and a “Life Pregnancy Discussion.”  There are two types of classes offered: 

  1. Live Online Classes – Use a link to watch a class live from your phone or computer.
  2. Click & Learn – You follow along by clicking through course materials.

Here is a glimpse of WIC Live Online classes coming up this week: 

March 22 from 10 AM to 11 AM  – Live Activity on Fearless Family Meals

March 22 from Noon to 1 PM – Live Discussion on WIC Shopping Tips and Tricks

March 22 from 3 to 4 PM – Live Discussion Series for Breastfeeding, Pumping and Bottle Feeding

March 23 from 1 to 2 PM – Live Discussion on Feeding Your Baby from 8 to 12 Months

To sign up, use this link: https://texaswic.org/online-classes. Click on the class you would like to participate in and follow the instructions to enroll. Learn more about Texas WIC on our blog.

 

By |2022-03-21T16:20:54-05:00March 21st, 2022|Categories: WIC Food, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , |0 Comments

Government Food Program Serves Up Produce

Expanded WIC Fruit, Vegetable Benefits Extended Thru September 

Congress has approved another extension of WIC’s expanded fruit and vegetable benefits thru September 2022.

WIC is a government food program that provides nutrition counseling, breastfeeding support and monthly food packages of healthy foods for pregnant women, babies and children up to age 5.

With the rising cost of food and the ongoing burden of healthcare costs, we must double down on effective measures like the WIC benefit bump that help children build nutritious diets and get a healthy start,” according to a statement from the National WIC Association.

WIC’s extended fruit and vegetable benefits now provide:

  • Children $24/month
  • Pregnant and postpartum participants receive $43/month
  • Breastfeeding participants receive $47/month

Texas WIC offers the following example about how a family may see additional benefits on their WIC EBT cards: 

If you are pregnant and have two children (ages 1-5) receiving WIC, you will get $91 ($43 mom + $24 child + $24 child = $91) each month to buy fruit and vegetables thru September. 

WIC clients will see this new amount on your shopping list under your benefit amount. 

WIC shoppers can use the expanded fruit and vegetable benefit to buy produce fresh, frozen, cans, glass jars, and plastic containers. For more information about WIC food benefits, visit TexasWIC.org.

GOVERNMENT FOOD PROGRAM PROVIDES SUPPORT

Since April 2021, more than 4.75 million women and children participating in WIC have received enhanced fruit and vegetable benefits in accordance with science-based recommendations. The WIC benefit bump has resulted in more than triple the amount of fruit and vegetable purchases, a greater variety of produce redeemed by WIC families, and increased fruit and vegetable consumption for young children, according to a statement released by the National WIC Association.

WIC GROCERY SHOPPING

Visit JC Food Mart in San Antonio to redeem your WIC benefits in one easy stop. JC Food Mart is a PWIC grocery store chain that specializes in catering to WIC clients. Shoppers can check their EBT balance BEFORE shopping and bilingual clerks assist shoppers throughout the shopping experience. Plus, everything in the store is WIC approved. SNAP is also accepted. Find a location here.

 

WIC Inspired Recipe – Yogurt Bark

It’s no secret that moms are always looking for easy, healthy snacks to pack in their kids’ lunches or to have on hand when the munchies strike. This WIC inspired recipe – yogurt bark treats – are a great option because they’re made with some of your favorite WIC-approved ingredients. And bonus: they’re delicious! So give them a try today. Your kids will love them!

 These can easily be made into popsicles too!

So what are you waiting for? Whip up a batch of these yogurt popsicles today and let us know what you think. As always, we love to hear from our customers, so be sure to tag us on social if you make these. And don’t forget to visit JC Food Mart for all your WIC grocery needs. We’ve got everything you need, from baby formula, fresh produce to dairy products and beyond.

Yogurt Bark

2 cups Plain Yogurt

¼ cup Maple Syrup

½ tsp Pure Vanilla Extract

¼ tsp Fresh Lemon Juice

Strawberries, sliced

Blueberries

Chopped Pecans (Optional)

Line a baking sheet with wax paper and set aside. In a large mixing bowl combine yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla extract, & lemon juice; whisk until thoroughly combined.

Transfer yogurt mixture to a previously prepared baking sheet and spread it around to an even thickness. Top with berries. Garnish with nuts (optional). Freeze for 3 hours or until firm. Cut into pieces and serve. Keep in the freezer.

MORE WIC INSPIRED RECIPES 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 – Yogurt Bark? Let’s be friends.  Tag us on Instagram or Facebook using @jcfoodmart

 

 

Go to Top