How To Eat Well With The WIC Program

If you’re a mom on a budget, you know how hard it can be to provide your family with healthy meals. But did you know that the Texas WIC program can help? Keep reading to learn how to eat healthy with WIC.

Texas WIC is a government program that provides financial assistance and nutrition education to low-income families. Learn how the WIC program works and learn a few tips for eating well on a budget.

1. What is WIC and what does it offer participants?

Texas WIC is is a nutrition education program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)  that helps moms provide a healthy start for their babies. The program provides free nutrition education, counseling, breastfeeding support, and free monthly supplemental food packages for pregnant women, postpartum women, and children up to age 5. 

2. How to apply for the WIC program?

If you are a Texas resident that is pregnant or are a mother of a child younger than 5 you can apply for the program by visiting WIC online to start your application or by calling 800-942-3678 to locate a WIC clinic to schedule an appointment to apply. 

3. What foods are available with the WIC program?

There are several free monthly food packages that are different for moms and children based on their age and nutritional needs. There is a specific food package for pregnant mothers that includes foods that, according to WIC, “are low in fat and high in fiber, provide nutritional variety and help promote a healthy weight gain for a healthy baby.”  Infants have packages that may include baby formula and older children have packages that include eggs, fruits and vegetables, cereals, and more.

4. How to use your WIC benefits

Texas WIC clients receive an EBT card that is loaded each month with their WIC benefits. Clients take their EBT to the store to redeem their benefits. Stores like JC Food Mart – which are PWIC stores that cater to WIC clients – help make it easy for WIC customers to get all their WIC products in one easy stop. 

5. Sample meal ideas to eat healthy with WIC

WIC-approved foods help make it easy to create healthy meals for your family. Use WIC-approved foods to make meals like omelets (which use WIC-approved eggs and vegetables), stir fry (using WIC foods like whole-wheat rice and vegetables), beans, and whole-wheat rice and pasta dishes use whole-wheat pasta and cheese. The options are endless and you know you are going to be eating healthier when you are cooking with WIC foods. Get more recipe ideas using WIC foods on our blog. 

The WIC program is a great way to get started on the path to healthy eating on a budget. With the help of JC Food Mart, it’s easy to find nutritious WIC-approved foods that your family will love.

By |2022-08-17T14:12:02-05:00February 25th, 2022|Categories: Baby Food, Child Health, Mom Health, Texas WIC, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , , |0 Comments
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WIC Inspired Recipe – Turkish Eggs

For this week’s WIC-inspired recipe we’re bringing you Turkish eggs! This dish is simple to make and uses WIC-approved ingredients.

Turkish Eggs, or Cilbir, is a traditional Turkish dish with simple ingredients like yogurt, garlic, red pepper flakes, poached eggs, & butter. There are records of çılbır being eaten by Ottoman sultans as far back as the 15th century, and it’s often known as Turkish comfort food. 

Today, Turkish eggs can make a great breakfast or snack using WIC ingredients, including eggs, yogurt, and whole wheat bread. 

Turkish Eggs (Cilbir)

3 Eggs

1 Clove of Garlic

½ Cup of Thick Plain Yogurt

2 tbsp Butter

2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes

3 Slices of Whole Wheat Bread

1 tbsp White Vinegar

Salt, Pepper, & Dill to taste

Spoon yogurt onto a plate & use the back of the spoon to spread it out. Melt butter in a saucepan on medium heat, add minced garlic & red pepper flakes. Stir until color is uniform & remove from heat.

Fill a large saucepan with 2 – 3 inches of water & bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, pour in vinegar, and keep at a simmer. Crack an egg into a small bowl or ramekin and gently slip the egg into the simmering water. Repeat with remaining eggs. Cook the eggs for 3 minutes until the egg whites are firm & the yolk has thickened but not hard. Remove eggs with a slotted spoon & add to plate with yogurt. 

Spoon the butter, garlic & chili pepper mixture on top of the poached eggs & sprinkle with black pepper, a pinch of salt, & dill to taste. Toast the bread until lightly browned. Dip into the Turkish eggs & enjoy! Makes 2 Servings.

WIC INSPIRED RECIPE FROM JC FOOD MART

WIC provides monthly benefits for eligible pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age five who are at nutritional risk. To learn more about WIC or find a location near you, visit: texaswic.org

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 |2022-02-22T14:11:45-05:00February 22nd, 2022|Categories: Meal Planning, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , , , |0 Comments
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RECALL ALERT: Check Your Baby Formula

The FDA has announced a voluntary recall of Similac products (including Total Comfort, Spit Up and Sensitive). Consumers can check the bottom of their baby formula for the information below:
The products under recall have a multidigit number on the bottom of the container starting with the first two digits 22 through 37, contains K8, SH, or Z2 and with an expiration date of April 1, 2022, or after.
To find out if the product you have is included in this recall, visit similacrecall.com and type in the code on the bottom of the package, or call +1-800-986-8540 (U.S.) and follow the instructions provided. If you have questions about feeding your child, contact your healthcare professional.
Check back for updates.
By |2022-02-21T08:00:46-05:00February 18th, 2022|Categories: Baby Formula, Texas WIC, WIC Food|Tags: , |0 Comments
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WIC Inspired Recipes – Banana & Egg Pancakes

These banana & egg pancakes are quick & easy to make & can be enjoyed even by some of the pickiest toddlers. This simple pancake recipe only uses 2 main ingredients & is so delicious that you may never make regular pancakes again!

Banana & Egg Pancakes

2 Eggs

1 Banana

Cinnamon

Oil (Olive oil, etc)

Maple Syrup or Honey, Optional

Peel the banana & mash in a medium-sized bowl. In a separate bowl, crack the eggs & whisk them together. Pour eggs into the bowl of mashed banana, add a dash of cinnamon, and mix together. Heat a pan to medium heat & add oil. Slowly drop a large spoonful at a time of banana & egg mixture to pan & heat until golden brown on both sides. Top with honey, syrup, or your choice of fruit.

Enjoy!

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? Let’s be friends.  Tag us on Instagram or Facebook using @jcfoodmart

 

By |2022-02-24T15:42:28-05:00February 4th, 2022|Categories: JC Food Mart, Meal Planning, Recipes, Texas WIC, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping|Tags: , , , , , , |0 Comments
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WIC Inspired Recipes: Frittata Muffins

This easy frittata muffin recipe is a staple in my household. They make for a great healthy breakfast or tasty snack, & they’re perfect for meal prepping or when you’re on the go. Frittata muffins are great for using produce you have in your fridge waiting to be used.

Nonstick cooking spray

6 large eggs

½ cup whole milk

Salt & pepper

½ cup shredded cheese

Your choice of vegetables. I like to use the following:

⅓ cup chopped onion

⅓ cup chopped bell pepper

⅓ cup chopped spinach (fresh or frozen)

½ cup chopped portobello mushrooms

1 zucchini, sliced thin

Heat oven to 350, spray muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, ¼ tsp salt, ⅛ tsp pepper. Stir in cheese & vegetables of your choice.  Divide batter evenly among muffin cups. Add one slice of zucchini to each muffin cup & press into egg mixture until covered.Bake for 20 minutes. Let the frittata muffins cool for 5 minutes, then remove from cups & serve. To reheat any leftovers, place in microwave for 30 seconds.

Enjoy!

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? Let’s be friends.  Tag us on Instagram or Facebook using @jcfoodmart

 

By |2022-02-03T08:15:29-05:00February 3rd, 2022|Categories: JC Food Mart, Meal Planning, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , , , , , |0 Comments
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WIC Inspired Recipe – French Toast & Grilled Peaches

Looking for a delicious way to eat your WIC-approved foods. Give this WIC inspired recipe a try for breakfast, lunch or dinner:

French Toast & Grilled Peaches

Try out this breakfast classic with a fresh twist!

Ingredients:

4 slices of bread

4 eggs

1 ripe peach

1 tbsp Butter

Cinnamon

Honey or Maple Syrup

Powdered Sugar, optional

Cut slices of bread in half, triangle-shaped & set aside. Crack 4 eggs into a medium-sized bowl & whisk. Heat pan on medium-high heat & melt 1 tbsp of butter. Take a slice of bread & dip into egg mixture on both sides, then add to pan & repeat. Brown each side of toast on both sides & add cinnamon as it’s cooking. Cut the peach into slices & add to pan. Cook until browned on each side. Top the french toast with the peaches, add honey, a dash of cinnamon, & any other toppings of your choice. Makes 2 Servings. Enjoy!

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? Let’s be friends.  Tag us on Instagram or Facebook using @jcfoodmart

By |2022-04-26T08:36:45-05:00January 14th, 2022|Categories: Meal Planning, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping|Tags: , , , , |0 Comments
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12 Recipes Using WIC Foods For Christmas

This is the perfect time to spend quality time in the kitchen with your family. Food and holidays go hand-and-hand. To help you get in the holiday spirit, here are 12 recipes using WIC foods you might consider making for your family this Christmas.

BERRY BREAD PUDDING

This recipe from the USDA’s MyPlate, features several WIC foods: frozen berries, whole wheat bread and yogurt. https://www.myplate.gov/recipes/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/berry-bread-pudding 

 HOMEMADE CHEESE STICKS Homemade Cheese Sticks

Spending time in the kitchen is the perfect way to get quality time with your kids. This fun snack or appetizer from CookingMatters.org  is sure to be a fun one for the whole family to make. It also has several WIC foods. Consider making your own bread crumbs with a slice or two of whole-wheat bread. https://cookingmatters.org/recipe/mozzarella-sticks/

PINEAPPLE CARROT MUFFINS

Every holiday needs a muffin. This one from CookingMatters.org won’t disappoint. It even features WIC-friendly fruits and vegetables. https://cookingmatters.org/recipe/pineapple-carrot-muffins/

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By |2022-12-12T09:28:20-05:00December 22nd, 2021|Categories: Recipes, Texas WIC, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping|Tags: , |0 Comments
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JC Food Mart Open Special Holiday Hours Week of Christmas

JC Food Mart stores will be open special hours for Christmas and New Years. 

All stores will be open regular hours Monday Dec. 20th  – Thursday Dec. 23rd. On Friday, Dec. 24th the following stores will be open from 8 AM to 3PM: Walzem Rod, W. Military Drive, Fredericksburg Road, S. Flores, Ingram and S. General McMullen. 

Naco Perrin, Commerce and Goliad Road will be open Friday, Dec. 24th from 9 AM to 3PM

All stores will be closed on Saturday, Dec. 25th for Christmas Day.

The following stores will be open from 8 AM to 5 PM, Friday, Dec. 31st: Walzem Road, W. Military Dro, Fredericksburg Rd., S. Flores, Ingram and S. General McMullen. 

Naco Perrin, Commerce and Goliad Road stores will be open from 9 AM to 5 PM on Friday, Dec. 31st.

All stores will be open on Saturday, Jan. 1st from 10  AM to 4 PM

Everyone at JC Food Mart wishes you and your family safe and happy holidays.

By |2021-12-20T09:42:33-05:00December 17th, 2021|Categories: JC Food Mart, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping|0 Comments
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Planning Thanksgiving Recipes Helps Make Holiday More Fun

Turkey Day is almost here, and JC Food Mart is here to help you plan to make the day with your family and friends special.

Getting ready for the day can be less stressful if planning in advance. Here are some tips to help make the day full of fun.

PLANNING IS THE KEY

The most important step is planning in advance. Plan your menu, plan your shopping and plan what you can make in advance. Remember, simple is usually better.

Get all your shopping done as early as possible. One way to save time and money is by getting all your WIC foods at JC Food Mart early in the week. Click on our blog post here for our special Thanksgiving Week hours. WIC Shopping

Use your WIC fruit and vegetable allowance to pick up produce for your Thanksgiving sides: potatoes, onions, carrots, frozen vegetables and fruit just to name a few. Beans, another WIC-approved food, also make a great Thanksgiving Day side. Cheese can add excitement to a side like broccoli. Looking for a good recipe, check this one out: broccoli and cheese.

Stuffing is also a Thanksgiving Day favorite. Check out this favorite: Stuffing Recipe.

Potatoes also make very comforting side dishes. We rounded up some of our favorites here: Potato Recipes.

There are so many recipes options for creating a Thanksgiving Day menu, and they don’t have to be complicated or use 100 ingredients. Simple is usually better. Use ingredients you have to plan your menu. You can make a list on your phone or the old-fashioned way with paper and pencil. Making a list will help you make sure you have everything you need, and help plan out your recipes.

If you are looking for a few places online to find healthy, simple recipes check out these websites:

Texas WIC: Texas WIC has some great healthy recipes using WIC foods. Here are some of our favorites for Thanksgiving: Apple Crisp, Sweet Potato Balls, Citrus Glazed Carrots, Fruit Salad & Fruit Dip and Carrot Bread

Cooking Matters: This website is full of great, healthy recipes. Here are a few your family might like for Thanksgiving: Banana Pudding, baked apples and tips for cooking beans.

USDA: This website offers several recipes for Thanksgiving Day and they even have recipes for your leftovers.

SIMPLE IS BETTER

Does the thought of cooking turkey stress you out? You don’t have to cook an entire turkey. Make a small turkey breast or turkey tenderloin. They are much less intimidating and usually cost less than cooking an entire bird. Or, roast a chicken. You could also skip making a traditional Thanksgiving and opt for making your family’s favorite meal.

If you are making a turkey, check out the USDA’s tips for cooking a bird here.

ENJOY ALL THE MOMENTS

Spending time with your kids, family and friends is the best part of the day. After your meal, find time to play outside or go for a walk. It’s a great activity for the whole family. Everyone at JC Food Mart wishes you and your family a happy and safe Thanksgiving. All of our locations will be open regular hours on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Find a location here. We also accept SNAP. Hope to see you soon.

By |2024-11-11T08:25:02-05:00November 22nd, 2021|Categories: JC Food Mart, Meal Planning, Recipes, San Antonio, Texas WIC, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping|0 Comments
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FREE Texas WIC Classes Online Packed With Parenting Tips

Take Free Classes At Home From Phone, Computer

Texas WIC classes this month are packed with wonderful tips from experts. Included are classes from everything from how to make a recipe using WIC foods to storytime for your little one.  Use the link below to Texas WIC to sign up for the Free Classes.

Here is a glance at some of the FREE upcoming LIVE ONLINE classes that can be taken from the comfort of your own home: 

  • Introducing Your Baby To Foods – Oct. 13 – 11 AM to Noon  In this class, Texas WIC covers how to know if your baby is ready for solid foods and what foods to introduce at first.
  • Story Time with Zobey – Oct. 14th – 9:30 – 10 AM Texas WIC makes learning with your little one fun with a story told by Zobey. In this story, Zobey introduces how fruits and vegetables grow in a garden and explains why trying new foods is fun.
  • Discussion on Picky Eating – Oct. 18th – 10 – 11 AM Experts at Texas WIC explain how to encourage new foods and how to respond to picky eating.
  • Cooking with WIC Foods – Oct. 18th – 11:30 – 12:30 In this fun class, Texas WIC demonstrates how to turn WIC foods into a fun cooking activity, and to get your kids excited to try new foods.

To register for these events, and see additional WIC Click & Learn Classes visit Texas WIC online at:  https://texaswic.org/online-classes

By |2021-10-13T08:32:47-05:00October 13th, 2021|Categories: Child Health, Texas WIC, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|0 Comments
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