March Events in San Antonio
March into Spring with these fun filled family events.
Toddler Snack Boxes Perfect For Busy Moms
WIC Food Tip Perfect For Busy Moms
Toddlers love snacks! Moms of little ones may find themselves running around trying to find snacks on demand. Here is a great WIC food tip to use your WIC foods to make a perfect snack box for your little one.
One stress-free way to help busy moms looking to save some time, are pre-made snack boxes. Dig around in your cupboard for some plastic containers with lids. It doesn’t have to be fancy. One with compartments is perfect, but a food storage container without dividers also works. (TIP: You can use cupcake liners to make your own compartments)
Grab a few of your toddler’s favorite WIC foods. Create a fun assortment of 3 to 4 single serving snacks in each container to make a perfect toddler-size snack pack to store in the fridge. Some ideas for your containers include: cheese cubes, sliced strawberries, orange slices, blueberries, avocados, healthy WIC cereal (without the milk), yogurt, peanut butter and whole wheat bread. Make a whole peanut butter sandwich and cut into 1/4ths. Put one fourth in a container. 
Store the snack packs in the fridge until needed. Making 2 or 4 containers at a time is perfect to have on hand when your little one wants something quick to eat.
This is a great way to help make sure your little one is eating healthy WIC foods. You can also get your kids involved in making their “snack packs” so they are excited to eat healthy foods.
HAVE TODDLERS ON WIC? SHARE YOUR MOM HACKS
Do you have a great mom hack? Leave it in the comments below. We would love to hear some of your favorite tips/tricks that save you time.
The ultimate mom hack is getting all your WIC foods in one easy stop at JC Food Mart stores. Visit a location today to see how easy it can be.
Looking for more helpful ideas? Check out our post about WIC Snacks.
Ways WIC Helps Moms, Babies
Mothers only want the best for their babies, and that usually starts with the news you are expecting. Luckily for qualifying Texas residents there is a program that helps mothers make sure their nutritional needs are being met to help ensure the best healthy start for their babies. Texas WIC offers nutrition education, free supplemental foods and support for moms and babies.
Here are some of the best ways Texas WIC offers help to expecting moms and moms with children up to age 5.
- WIC provides supplemental foods to qualifying pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women.
- WIC helps to improve the health of pregnant women and their babies. That includes providing baby formula to babies in need.
- WIC provides nutrition education and counseling to help participants make healthy food choices.
- WIC helps participants access other social services.
- WIC has been shown to reduce the incidence of low birth weight babies, according to studies on USDA’s website.
If you want to learn more about Texas WIC, visit their website at texaswic.org. You can also apply on online at texaswic.org/apply.
For easy WIC grocery shopping, visit JC Food Mart stores in San Antonio. Bilingual clerks help WIC clients get all their WIC foods in one easy stop. There are 10 stores throughout San Antonio. Visit today to find out how easy WIC shopping can be. Find a store near you at jcfoodmart.com/locations
Cook Up Comforting Fall Recipes With WIC Foods
Mixing family meals is a never-ending task. To help inspire you and your family at mealtime, here are a few cozy recipe ideas – using WIC foods of course – we think you will enjoy as the fall and winter weather kicks in.
This time of year pumpkin is in everything from coffee to candles. This recipe from USDA’s MyPlate is full of fall flavors and is a great family meal, perfect for catching up and spending quality time with your family.
PUMPKIN CHILI
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 small yellow onion (chopped)
1 green bell pepper (cored, seeded and chopped )
2 jalapeño peppers (seeded and finely chopped, optional)
2 cloves garlic ( finely chopped or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder )
1 pound ground turkey, optional
1 can diced tomatoes with juice
1 can pumpkin puree
1 cup water
1 teaspoon cumin, ground
salt and pepper (to taste, optional)
1 can kidney beans (Can choose other beans if desired.)
Heat oil in a large pot over medium high heat. Add onion, bell pepper, jalapenos (omit if serving to children) and garlic and cook, stirring frequently until tender, about 5 minutes. Add turkey and cook until browned. Add tomatoes, pumpkin, water, chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low then add beans. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes more. Ladle chili into bowls and serve.
Source: from USDA’s MyPlate, Bronson Wellness Center
It’s also the perfect time to fire-up the oven for tasty treats with healthy ingredients.
This recipe from the USDA’s MyPlate is a perfect twist on a classic cookie recipe. Your kids won’t even know healthy foods are packed into the ingredient list.
Carrots give this traditional oatmeal and raisin cookie a colorful and tasty twist.
CARROT COOKIES
1/2 cup margarine (soft)
1 1/4 cups sugar mixed with 1/4 cup water
1 cup carrot (grated)
2 egg whites (well beaten)
2 cups flour (all purpose)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 cups oatmeal, quick cooking (raw)
1 cup raisins
In a large bowl, cream together margarine and honey. Stir in carrots and egg whites. Stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, oatmeal and raisins. Gradually stir flour-oatmeal mixture into creamed mixture, just until all flour is mixed. Do not over mix. Drop a teaspoon on a greased baking sheet. Flatten slightly and bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes, or until lightly browned.
Source: USDA’s MyPlate, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Healthy Futures
Recipe Spotlight Using WIC Foods
In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, we will be spotlighting several recipes you can make in your kitchen. This one, “A Simple Mexican Salad” is from the USDA website and came from the Oregon State University Cooperative Extension Service. It’s a refreshing salad with a little bite. It’s cool and refreshing flavors are very comforting.
A Simple Mexican Salad
Chili powder and lime juice are the secret ingredients in this cucumber and orange salad.
2 cucumbers
2 oranges
1 lemon or lime (the juice)
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Wash the cucumbers, oranges and lemon or lime under cold running water. Slice the cucumbers. Peel and cut the oranges into small pieces. Place cucumber slices and orange pieces in a medium size bowl. Add chili powder, lemon or lime juice and salt.
Get all your WIC foods in one easy stop at any JC Food Mart. There are 10 locations in San Antonio.
Expanded WIC Fruit, Vegetable Benefits Extended Thru September
Texas WIC has extended it’s expanded fruit and vegetable benefits thru the end of September.
According to Texas WIC the new benefits offer the following:
- Children get $24 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 April, May and June to buy fruit and vegetables, according to WIC.
WIC clients should contact a local WIC office if they have questions about these benefits.
The expanded WIC produce benefits are expected to return to $11 for pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women and $9 for children Oct. 1.
WIC clients can get all their WIC groceries in one easy stop at any JC Food Mart location in San Antonio. JC Food Mart caters to WIC clients and locations are located conveniently to WIC offices to help customers get WIC in one trip.
Vegetables Are WIC Foods
Summer Salads You Will Want To Eat!
Salads don’t have to be boring. In fact, they can be so refreshing and tasty that your toddler might even be asking for more.
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.
Enjoy Summer WIC Foods This July 4!
Summer is in full swing. Que the fireworks because this July 4th is going to be HOT! We have summer WIC foods and fun activities your plans this holiday weekend.
If you are ready to kick off July 4th with a big bang, we have some great tips to help you cool down and chill and celebrate with your family this holiday weekend – all spotlighting foods WIC foods you can redeem with your EBT card.
The fun doesn’t stop there. We also rounded up some family-friendly activities for the entire family.
SUMMER WIC FOODS: PICNIC PERFECT (SPOTLIGHTING WIC INGREDIENTS)
Many people will fire up the grill this holiday weekend. We have the perfect grill addition and a few sides that go perfect with your family picnic.
SUMMER WIC FOODS: GRILLED POTATOES 
Wrap your russet potatoes up in foil and throw them on the grill. Before closing the foil, feel free to add your favorite seasoning blend and a little olive oil for some extra flavor. Place them on the grill rack and let them cook. You know they are done when a knife slides easily into the center of the potato. Remove from grill and let cool. Remove foil and get ready for the fluffiest, smokiest tasting “baked” potato you can imagine. Add toppings (cheese, plain yogurt, salt, and pepper to taste) of your choice.
SUMMER WIC FOODS: SALSA MADE WITH GRILLED PEACHES
While your grill is out, slice open peaches ( a great summer WIC food) in half and throw them cut side down on the grill for this amazing recipe you will want to keep eating ALL SUMMER LONG.
4 ripe peaches pitted and sliced in half
1 red onion diced
2 ripe tomato diced
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional)
1 lime juiced
Salt & pepper to taste
Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Brush the peaches with olive oil and place them cut-side down onto the grill. Grill for about 5 minutes until the peaches are soft but not mushy. In a bowl combine the remaining ingredients. Remove hot peaches from the grill. Let them cool before dicing them. Add to bowl and mix with remaining ingredients. Serve.
INDEPENDENCE DAY FAMILY FUN
Spending time with loved ones is the best medicine. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to put a smile on a kid’s face and enjoy quality family time. In fact, sometimes the simpler things are the best. Here are a few ideas we loved for spending extra quality time with the family this holiday weekend.
- Make Patriotic Crafts –It is fun to make something patriotic for the holiday. We found a few ideas you might like on Pinterest. Check them out here and here.
- Visit A Local Park
- Make A Snack Together – Check out our blog for great kid-friendly recipes the whole family will love.
- Find Fireworks Displays Where You Live – If you are looking for a fireworks display close to where you live check this out. You are sure to find one near you.
DON’T WASTE TIME, GET YOUR SUMMER WIC FOODS TODAY!
With so much family fun planned, stop by any of 10 JC Food Mart locations around San Antonio to pick up all your WIC groceries in one easy stop. Don’t search aisles for WIC-approved foods. JC Food Mart caters to WIC clients, and everything in the store is WIC approved. You will be in and out with your groceries for your family picnic. Find a location near a WIC clinic near you on our website.
Visit These JC Food Mart Locations July 4th
Select JC Food Mart locations will open July 4th to help WIC clients needing to access their benefits the first week of the month.
The following stores will open 10 AM to 4 PM Monday July 4th:
- JC Food Mart at 5271 Walzem Rd., San Antonio, TX 78218
- JC Food Mart at 5947 Ingram Rd., Ste 101, San Antonio, TX 78228
- JC Food Mart at 6723 S. Flores,San Antonio, TX 78221
- JC Food Mart at 3534 Fredericksburg Rd., Ste 21, San Antonio, TX 78201
- JC Food Mart at 539 S. General McMullen, San Antonio, TX 78231
- JC Food Mart at 842 SW Military Dr.,San Antonio, TX 78221
- JC Food Mart at 7428 W. Military Dr., Ste J, San Antonio, TX 78227
Everyone at JC Food Mart wishes you and your family a happy and safe July 4th.
Looking for recipes using WIC foods for a perfect for your July 4th weekend celebration? Check out our blog.