Texas WIC’s Expanded Produce Benefits Offered Thru December

Get More WIC Fruits, Vegetables Until End of Year

Texas WIC is has extended a popular expanded benefit to get even more WIC produce through Dec. 31. The extra benefits will be added to your card to redeem with your other WIC benefits.

According to TexasWIC.org the extended fruit and vegetable benefits provide the following:

  • Children get $24 (in fruit and vegetable benefits) each month
  • Pregnant, postpartum and some breastfeeding clients get $43 each month
  • Fully and partially breastfeeding clients get $47 each month

For example, 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 in October, November and December to buy fruit and vegetables.

TexasWIC.org states, “You will see this new amount on your shopping list under your benefit amount. If you already have benefits on your card for October or November, your WIC office may contact you for a time to update your benefits. Contact your local WIC office if you have any questions.”

You can use your WIC benefits at any JC Food Mart location. JC Food mart is a chain of primarily WIC grocery stores that offers an easy, hassle-free shopping experience for WIC clients. You don’t have to search aisles to find WIC-approved products. Instead, our bilingual clerks will personally help you get all the items you want. To find out how easy WIC shopping can be, visit any of our 10 area San Antonio stores today. Find a location near you in the link below:

Locations

By |2021-10-11T09:14:31-05:00October 11th, 2021|Categories: JC Food Mart, Texas WIC, WIC Food|0 Comments
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Now Offering Organic Gerber Baby Cereals

Pick up organic Gerber baby cereal next time you visit JC Food Mart. 

All of our locations are now providing Gerber organic cereals to help you provide the best nutrition for your baby. Organic cereals will help your little one get a healthy start to eating solid foods.

It’s the #1 Pediatrician recommended brand for infant cereals and provides “essential nutrients – like iron, B vitamins, vitamins E and C, zinc and calcium,” according to Gerber. 

The organic cereal is commonly a first solid food for babies to try, and is usually recommended when your baby is a supported sitter from 4-6 months. 

Our stores will offer Organic Gerber Rice and Oatmeal Cereal in 8oz containers.

JC Food Mart is a chain of primarily WIC grocery stores in San Antonio that aims to provide quality WIC-approved products in an easy, hassle-free shopping experience. Pick up all your WIC groceries in one convenient stop. SNAP also accepted. 

By |2021-09-08T08:56:15-05:00September 8th, 2021|Categories: Baby Food, Child Health, San Antonio, Texas WIC, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|0 Comments
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Need Help With Food? WIC, SNAP Can Help

Sometimes everyone needs a helping hand with their groceries. Food assistance programs – like Woman, Infant and Children (WIC) and SNAP – can offer much needed help putting food on your table so you don’t have to worry how you are going to get your next meal.

WOMAN, INFANT & CHILDREN (WIC)

Texas WIC provides free food assistance for pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women and children up to age 5. The program is for Texas residents that meet  income requirements. WIC recipients get free nutrition counseling and education, breastfeeding support and food assistance to help ensure children get a healthy start. 

WIC participants get their monthly food package benefits loaded onto an ebt card that can be redeemed for WIC foods. 

Pregnant mothers may get food packages that include cereal, beans, dairy, fruits & vegetables and more. Infant children would qualify for a food package that includes baby formula and baby food. Older children would qualify for packages that include milk, eggs, cheese, bread, fruits & vegetables and more. To learn more about food packages visit WIC online. 

The program is a great tool for mothers to ensure that their babies are getting the right nutrition that they need. Afterall, baby formula is expensive, and you don’t need to worry if your little one will have enough.  Apply online at TexasWIC.org/apply.

SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP)

SNAP , sometimes called a food stamp program, is a food assistance program that loads benefits onto an ebt card, used like a debit card, called the Lone Star Card, to pay for groceries. To see if you qualify, visit YourTexasBenefits.com

MAXIMIZING FOOD STAMP BENEFITS

If you qualify for both programs, understanding key differences can help you maximize your benefits. 

WIC expires at the end of each month. If not used, SNAP rolls over to the next month to be used later. To maximize food stamp benefits, use WIC benefits first. Any SNAP benefits you don’t use during the month can roll to the next month up to a year.  If you don’t use WIC benefits during the month it was issued, you lose them. To maximize all your benefits, use WIC first and roll what you don’t use for SNAP to the next month.

WIC is geared toward paying for nutritious food for growing children up to age 5. SNAP can be used for adults and older children. 

Also, some WIC clients that have both WIC and SNAP use their SNAP benefits for extra baby formula for their little ones if it is needed.

JC Food Mart can help you avoid the hassle redeeming any of your food benefits. We cater to families that need food assistance. Because our staff is familiar with food assistance programs, you won’t have any hassle at check out, and you will be in and out with nutritious food for your family in one easy stop. 

JC Food Mart stores provide all the food categories for the WIC program so you don’t have to search aisles trying to determine what qualifies for WIC. We also accept SNAP. To find a location near you, visit JCFoodMart.com/locations.

By |2021-09-02T11:41:49-05:00September 2nd, 2021|Categories: Baby Food, Baby Formula, JC Food Mart, Texas WIC, WIC Food, WIC Nutrition|0 Comments
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Prepping WIC Produce To Eat

How To Care For Your Fruits & Vegetables

You picked up your fresh San Antonio WIC produce from the store, but before you cook and prepare your favorite recipes it’s important to take a few steps to prepare your WIC fruit and vegetables. 

You should wash all of your produce under running water and dry with a clean paper towel as soon as you bring it home. Also, cut away any damaged or bruised areas before you eat or prepare, according to guidelines from the CDC. 

The CDC also recommends: “Keeping fruits and vegetables separate from raw foods that come from animals, such as meat, poultry, and seafood and refrigerating fruits and vegetables within 2 hours after you cut, peel, or cook them (or 1 hour if the outside temperature is 90° or warmer). Chill them at 40°F or colder in a clean container.”

If you don’t think you will eat your fresh produce before it goes bad, you can always freeze it. Frozen bananas are great in smoothies. For best results, blanch vegetables like broccoli before freezing. Place cut broccoli in boiling water for about 3 three minutes, derailed, cooled and placed in freezer bags and then freeze. 

Blanching times for vegetables vary, but there are a lots of guides, like this one, from the Texas Agricultural Extension Office.

SAN ANTONIO WIC PRODUCE CLASSES

Texas WIC currently offers two Click & Learn classes on their website that offers great information about preparing and eating fruits and vegetables. To sign up for the free classes, visit the following website and follow the instructions for taking the classes. San Antonio WIC Produce

The first WIC class, Food Safety at Home teaches about:

      • Food safety practices
      • Importance of washing hands and surfaces
      • Ways to prevent bacteria from spreading
      • How to cook at a safe temperature

The second WIC online class, Follow the Rainbow with Fruits & Vegetables, covers the following topics:

      • Health benefits of eating fruits and vegetables
      • Daily fruit and vegetable recommendations
      • Tips for increasing fruits and vegetables

Texas WIC is a free nutritional education program that provides nutrition counseling, breastfeeding support and free food packages to qualifying mothers and their children up to age five. To apply for the program, apply online. 

Texas WIC is offering extended fruit and vegetable benefits through September. Individuals are receiving $35 in fruit and vegetable benefits instead of the normal $11 per person benefit. Learn more online at Texas WIC. 

JC Food Mart is a primarily WIC grocery store chain in San Antonio that caters to WIC clients by providing an easy, hassle-free shopping experience for WIC clients. Find a location near you at JCFoodMart.com/locations.

By |2021-08-17T14:00:14-05:00August 17th, 2021|Categories: JC Food Mart, Recipes, Texas WIC, WIC Food|0 Comments
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Recipe of The Week Using WIC Foods

Veggie Open-Faced Sandwich On Whole Wheat

Using popular WIC foods, here is a twist on a classic American favorite – grilled cheese.

Texas WIC is a nutritional assistance program that provides free counseling and monthly food packages for moms and their children up to age five. The program helps ensure children get a healthy start in life. Each month WIC clients get access to FREE nutritional foods.

The recipe below uses WIC foods like whole wheat bread, cheese and vegetables. It’s a great way to get multiple healthy ingredients in one meal. Plus, it’s super easy and quick to make, something every mother will love. In a few easy steps you can have this meal ready for a weekend lunch or quick family dinner.

VEGGIE OPEN FACED SANDWICH ON WHOLE WHEAT

2 pieces of Whole Wheat Bread

Enough cheese slices to cover top of toast, use whatever flavor you like

1/2 Onion, sliced

½ Bell Pepper, sliced

1 tablespoon of Olive Oil

Add olive oil to pan on medium heat. Add sliced onions and bell pepper and cook until tender. Lay bread on baking sheet. Add cheese on top. Add cooked veggies on top of cheese. Cook in oven at 355 degrees for about 10 to 15 minutes until toast is golden brown and cheese is melted.

Get your WIC foods at any JC Food Mart location in San Antonio. JC Food Mart offers WIC Grocery shopping in 1 easy stop. The stores carry baby formula, baby food, milk, cheese, yogurt, bread, beans and produce – all in an easy shopping format so you can get everything you need without all the hassle. 

By |2021-08-13T11:15:25-05:00August 13th, 2021|Categories: Recipes, Texas WIC, WIC Food, WIC Nutrition|0 Comments
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Celebrate July 4th With American Picnic Using WIC Foods

The heart of the summer – July 4th – is almost here. 

Grilling, cold fruit and fresh sides are the perfect ingredients for a holiday picnic. To help make your planning a little easier, here are two perfect recipes featuring WIC foods. 

The first recipe will cool you off from that hot summer sun, but offers the ‘blue’ and ‘white’ for your red, white and blue menu. These little bites pair perfectly with a cold watermelon.  They may be such a hit with the kids, that you want to keep some in the freezer for the next few months. 

WIC Fruits: Blueberries FROZEN YOGURT BLUEBERRY BITES

1 8-ounce container of Blueberries

½ cup Vanilla Yogurt

Cover a large baking sheet with wax paper. Place yogurt in a small bowl and stir. Poke blueberry one at a time with a toothpick and dip into yogurt until it is completely covered. Move blueberry from toothpick onto wax-covered baking sheet. Repeat with all blueberries. Place in the freezer for 2 hours. Remove blueberries from wax paper using a spatula. Once frozen, place all blueberries into an airtight freezer-safe bowl with lid and until ready to eat. Can store in the freezer for a few months. 

This next recipe is easy to add any vegetables from your refrigerator. Feel free to cut and use what you have. Substitution ideas include broccoli, olives, carrots or really anything you like.

Whole Wheat Pasta Salad

COLORFUL RAINBOW PASTA SALAD

8 ounces of Dried Pasta (such as Rotini)

1 package of Italian Salad Dressing mix

2 Roma Tomatoes, diced

½ Onion, sliced thin

1 Zucchini squash, sliced thin

1 Yellow Squash, sliced thin

Pepper to taste

Cook pasta according to package directions and drain.  Prepare Italian seasoning mix according to directions. Mix dressing and pasta in a large bowl. Add cut vegetables. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.

To pick up all your WIC groceries for your July 4th party, visit any JC Food Mart location in San Antonio.  Texas WIC is currently offering expanded fruit and vegetable benefits this month. 

For more information about Texas WIC, visit TexasWIC.org.

 

By |2021-07-02T08:57:37-05:00July 2nd, 2021|Categories: Meal Planning, Recipes, Texas WIC, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping|0 Comments
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Enroll In Texas WIC Online Class Monday

Texas WIC Class Offers Up Recipe To Stay Hydrated During Summer

The hot summer months have arrived, and it’s important to keep you and your family hydrated without filling up on sugary drinks. An online Texas WIC class  has several tips to help.

Texas WIC is offering an online class Monday that offers recommendations for drinks for children, ways to drink “more water and less sugar” and how to make kid-friendly infused waters and ice cubes. 

“We’ll explore the truth behind many common drinks and demonstrate recipe ideas that are not only cool for kids, but fun for the whole family,” according to Texas WIC’s online class description.

TEXAS WIC ONLINE CLASS

The “Live Discussion and Activity on Cool Drinks for Kids” class is being offered online from 1 to 2 PM on Monday, June 21st on the TexasWIC.org website. If you would like to participate, simply register for the class using the link below:

https://classes.texaswic.org/class/de408a18-4dd4-4457-82ad-c924abd56f59

You can watch the online class with a computer, tablet or mobile device that has Internet.  

JC Food Mart is a primarily WIC grocery store chain with locations in San Antonio. JC Food Mart makes it easy and convenient to shop for WIC groceries. We have bilingual staff that is familiar with the WIC program that can help you shop for the items you need. Find a location near a WIC clinic today on our website.

By |2021-06-18T11:45:26-05:00June 18th, 2021|Categories: Recipes, Texas WIC, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|0 Comments
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Summertime Pasta Recipe

Try This Recipe For Whole Wheat Pasta (A WIC Food) The Whole Family Will Enjoy

It’s summertime. That means parents need healthy, fast, no-fuss recipes that are also kid-friendly. If you are looking for a quick meal using WIC foods, try this pasta recipe.

You may find yourself using this recipe again and again this summer.  It’s easy, fast and doesn’t heat up the kitchen during those warm summer months. It’s great for lunch, dinner and makes enough for leftovers. The best part, it features several WIC foods.

 

WIC Pasta Recipe

 

 

 

 

WHOLE WHEAT PASTA AND BROCCOLI

1 16oz box of Whole Wheat Pasta, any kind (elbows, bow ties, spirals or even spaghetti)

3 cups of  Broccoli, fresh or frozen works

4 tbsp Butter

3 cloves Garlic, minced

2/3 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded or grated

1.5 to 2 cups of reserved Pasta water

Cooked Boneless Chicken, optional

Cook pasta according to package directions. When you have about 5 minutes remaining, add the broccoli.  Once broccoli is tender, drain water In a large colander. Use the cooking pot to melt the butter on low heat. Add minced garlic and saute for a few minutes, stirring often. Add pasta and broccoli back into the pot. Add cheese and pasta water. Stir until the cheese is mixed thoroughly. Mix in cooked, cut up, boneless chicken chunks if using. Enjoy!

Find more great recipes using WIC foods on the JC Food Mart blog page. JC Food Mart helps make shopping for WIC foods easy for mothers. You can find a location near WIC clinics by visiting our locations page online.

You can apply online for Texas WIC by visiting the organization’s website at TexasWIC.org.

By |2021-06-15T11:42:42-05:00June 15th, 2021|Categories: Meal Planning, Recipes, Texas WIC, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|0 Comments
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Texas WIC Increasing Fruit, Vegetable Benefits

This summer, Texas WIC is increasing its fruit and vegetable benefits.  

WIC will be offering benefits for $35 for fruits and vegetables per person starting June 1st. 

WIC clients can use the benefits for fruits and vegetables that are fresh, frozen or in cans/jars or plastic containers, according to TexasWIC.org. 

According to TexasWIC.org: “You will see this increase on your shopping list under your benefit amount for June through September 2021. If you already have benefits for June or July, your WIC office will contact you for an appointment to update your benefits.”

Contact WIC or visit a WIC clinic if there are any questions about your fruit and vegetable allowance.

The additional WIC benefits will be available starting in June through September and return to the regular benefit amount in October, according to TexasWIC.org.

WIC normally offers $11 in fruit/vegetable benefits for pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women and $9 for children age 1 to 5. 

You can redeem your WIC benefits at any JC Food Mart location in San Antonio. JC Food Mart provides WIC clients an easy shopping experience. WIC clients can find all their WIC items at one store. Plus, it’s easy to get in and out since the locations can be found close to WIC clinics. Learn more about shopping at JC Food Mart on our website. 

To join Texas WIC, apply online at Texaswic.org/apply. 

By |2021-06-15T10:05:57-05:00May 12th, 2021|Categories: JC Food Mart, Texas WIC, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|0 Comments
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Happy Cinco De Mayo!

Celebrate Cinco De Mayo With WIC Inspired Recipes

There’s no better reason to throw a dinner party for your family than Cinco De Mayo. To make your party perfect, we have rounded up a list of ideas for a festive family meal at home, including Cinco De Mayo WIC-inspired recipes!  Using key WIC ingredients, your family celebration will be healthy and delicious.  Plus, you don’t have to leave the house to feel you have escaped to the perfect party venue. You can turn your dining table into the perfect escape.

Here are 3 tips to make your Cinco De Mayo fiesta perfect:

GET THE KIDS INVOLVED

  1. Make a fun tablescape and decor for your home. Add lots of colors! You can even get the kids to help. Search online for instructions and inspiration to make everything from plastic egg maracas to tiny pinatas made out of toilet paper rolls and decorated with tissue paper. Here is a link for instructions for an example of the pinatas. These homemade table centerpieces are also very festive. The ideas are as endless as your imagination.

MAKE SIMPLE RECIPES WITH WIC FOODS

  1. Keep your menu simple. The party is always more perfect when there isn’t a ton of work. Simple recipes that can be made in advance (like the fruit salsa recipe below) are the perfect way to celebrate Cinco De Mayo (which falls in the middle of the week). The pinto bean salsa recipe below is also super simple and quick to make.

FIESTA!

  1. Don’t forget to enjoy yourself.  The best part about a party (even if it’s for immediate family) is to remember to have fun. Don’t stress about the details On that note, let’s get the party started with this fun Fruit Salsa Recipe. Here are a few Cinco De Mayo WIC inspired Recipes to try:

 

Fruit Salsa

 

 

FRESH FRUIT SALSA

1 cup mango (peeled and chopped)

 1 cup diced pineapple 

1/2 cup diced red pepper 

1 roma tomato, seeded and chopped

 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro 

2 tablespoons diced onion

 2 tablespoons lime juice

 1 tablespoon lemon juice 

1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped (0ptional) 

Put all ingredients in a bowl. Refrigerate for a few hours before serving.  

Here is a great recipe from the USDA’s My Plate for Salsa Beans:

Salsa Pinto Beans  Salsa Beans

1 tablespoon olive oil (or canola oil)

 1 onion (medium, chopped) 

1 clove garlic (minced, or 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder) 

2 cans pinto beans (15 ounces each, drained and rinsed)

 1 cup of mild salsa

 Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until tender. Stir in the beans and salsa. Cook for 10 minutes. 

Source: Maryland Food Supplement Nutrition Education program, 2009 Recipe Calendar.

 SHOP FOR CINCO DE MAYO WIC INSPIRED RECIPE FOODS

Get your WIC foods at JC Food Mart. To find a store near you visit our location page online. Interested in joining Texas WIC? You can get your application started online. For more recipes spotlighting WIC foods, visit our blog.

By |2022-05-05T13:56:55-05:00May 5th, 2021|Categories: Recipes, Texas WIC, WIC Food, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , , |0 Comments
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