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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Texas WIC Returns To Offices

Texas WIC has resumed full program services at its offices.

On Aug. 10th, 2023 the agency returned to offering its full, regular services at its offices across the state. The agency was modified during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Texas WIC offers nutrition screenings, breastfeeding support, weighing and measuring pregnant women, infants and children to assess growth. Nutrition classes, counseling and even personalized referrals to other programs are part of their offerings.

The Texas WIC program is open to qualifying pregnant women, mothers and children up to age 5. It provides nutrition education, counseling and free food packages to help ensure children get a healthy start.

To learn more about the program or to apply, visit TexasWIC.org.

By |2023-08-30T12:33:42-05:00August 18th, 2023|Categories: Texas WIC|Tags: |0 Comments

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.

Our Favorite Recipes for July 4th

Use WIC Foods For Festive Holiday Spread This Weekend

We searched our blog for some of the best recipes for July 4th weekend, all of them made with WIC foods. Here is a list of some recipes you might like to try. Of course, you can find even more on our blog.

You can never go wrong with fresh produce served up cold and fresh. Here are some of our favorite presentation ideas using in-season favorites like watermelon, berries and cubed cheese. Pick up all your WIC foods for a festive July 4th weekend at any JC Food Mart store near you.

Click the links below for recipes:

limeade

Refreshing Limeade

Texas WIC Fruit

Frozen Yogurt Blueberry Bites

Whole Wheat Pasta Salad

Colorful Rainbow Pasta Salad

Grilled Potatoes

Peach Salsa

Fruit Drink Sparkler

Vegetables are WIC foods

Summer Apple Salad

Yogurt Freezer Pops

Veggie Kabobs

Pinto Beans

NEW WIC CEREAL OPTION

Now Offering Avelina Instant Oatmeal

WIC clients can redeem their cereal benefits for Avelina Instant Oatmeal. This new Grocery Services North product is an easy and nutritious way to start a morning. This WIC-approved option for oats is redeemed in the cereal category, not the whole grains category, which means you can redeem your cereal benefits for even more healthy oatmeal. 

Breakfast cereal doesn’t have to be served up cold. Instant oatmeal is the perfect way to get a nice warm meal to start the day.

That’s why we’re excited to introduce you to the newest addition to the WIC cereal option, this delicious instant oatmeal. This delicious and convenient breakfast option is packed with fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals.

One of the best things about Avelina Instant Oatmeal is that it’s incredibly easy to prepare. Simply add hot water or microwave it for a minute, stir, and enjoy. This makes it the perfect breakfast option for busy mornings, when you don’t have time to cook something on the stove. 

Visit a JC Food Mart to redeem your WIC benefits for Avelina Instant Oatmeal today.  Find a Grocery Services North store near you on our locations page.

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