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. 

 

Looking For Fun Summertime Activity For The Kids? 

Check Off  Mealtime, Playtime At Same Time! 

Who said you couldn’t play with your food? Getting kids into the kitchen is a great activity to get their creative juices flowing. It’s also a great way to keep them interested in eating healthy, WIC foods. 

Healthy WIC foods don’t have to be boring. In fact, you and the kids can turn their little plates into works of art all with some of your favorite WIC ingredients. Gather up some of your favorite WIC foods (oatmeal, fruits, vegetables and tuna fish) for these fun ideas that will get your kiddos excited to help out in the kitchen.

WIC FOOD: OATMEAL

Oatmeal is a super healthy WIC food. It’s also a super healthy snack. For the first snack of the day. Let your kids help “decorate” a bowl of oatmeal like their pets or animals. These fruits make great faces: sliced bananas, berries of all kinds, apple pieces cut into fun shapes and maybe even a little peanut butter to hold pieces together.  What little one wouldn’t love eating this yummy, healthy creation once they are done. 

Oatmeal is a great WIC food because it’s full of fiber, iron and other vitamins and minerals like zinc.

WIC FOOD: FRUIT CRITTERS

Getting your kids to eat more fruit is easy when you make fruit critters. Slice up some of your favorite fruits and let your toddlers “color” their plate by turning the fruit into fun animals. You can get them started by making a few of your own. It’s also fun to cut fruit into fun shapes using kid-friendly cookie cutters.  

WIC FOOD: VEGGIE PALS

Having a hard time getting enough vegetables into your tot’s stomach? Serve them a plate of green peas that look like a friendly frog.  

WIC FOOD: TUNA FISHY

First, make a bowl of tuna fish, using this great Texas WIC recipe. Then let the little ones help by spreading it on a piece of toasted whole wheat bread. Place another piece of whole wheat bread on top. Let the kids decorate the sandwich into fruit to make it look like a fish. See photo above. Orange quarters, banana slices and berries can all be used to make fun fish faces and fins. Looking for a little more creative inspiration? Check out this recipe idea from Texas WIC.

 Texas WIC is an advocate of getting kids in the kitchen to help in “age-appropriate ways,” and these recipes are a great way to get them involved. For more tips from including kids in the kitchen, check out these tips online.

RENEW YOUR WIC BENEFITS AND REDEEM THEM IN THE SAME TRIP

Next time you visit a WIC clinic to renew your WIC benefits, visit a nearby JC Food Mart store to get all your WIC foods in one easy stop. JC Food Mart locations are located near WIC offices to make it super convenient for clients to get everything they need. 

There are 10 locations throughout San Antonio. Visit online to find a store near you.

Visit our blog for more recipes using WIC foods. 

Add Sparkle To Your Memorial Day Menu With WIC Foods

Looking to add a little something festive to your Memorial Day Weekend menu? Here are a few recipes that add a little something extra to round out your holiday.

Temperatures are also beginning to heat up so these recipes are easy, refreshing no-fuss bites. They are the perfect way for you to keep everyone satisfied without having to spend too much time in the kitchen. Plus, little helpers can also get involved for the perfect quality family time.

 

FRUIT SPARKLER DRINK

Break out your red and blue fruits and add them to your ice water or juice for a cool, refreshing treat. A few fun fruits to try are watermelon, strawberries, and blueberries. Don’t forget to let the kiddos help.  This is a perfect way to celebrate while spending time outside this Memorial Day weekend. 

PATRIOTIC CHEESE TRAY

Cheese platters have never been more popular! Cut up some of your favorite fruits and cheeses and arrange in fun patriotic ways. Make a red, white and blue design, like the one in the photo, using blueberries, white cheese cubes and cubed watermelon. You could also use strawberries. The design possibilities are endless and the kids will love getting involved! 

 

VEGGIE ROLL-UPS

Roll-ups make a simple, healthy snack or lunch the kids will love. Place a whole wheat tortilla on a plate, add your favorite salsa, dressing, vegetables, and cheese, and roll! Cut the rolled tortilla into bite-size pieces and enjoy! A few filling ideas include and combination of the following WIC-approved foods:  lettuce, tomato, cheese, apple, avocado, guacamole, cucumbers, raw or cooked mushrooms, and beans!

Once made and sliced, arrange on a platter for a quick family-style meal for everyone.

 

DON’T FORGET THE WATERMELON

No matter how you cut it, watermelon is a summertime staple. It’s perfect for hot days because it even can help you stay hydrated. There are so many fun ways to eat this fruit. Cut it into cubes and place it on skewers for a fun kebob. The kiddos can help by cutting watermelon slices with cookie cutters and creating fun shapes (Oh my Stars for Memorial Day!) You can even quarter watermelon and dig in with a spoon!  

JC FOOD MART CATERS TO WIC CLIENTS

Get all your WIC foods in one easy stop at any JC Food Mart location in San Antonio. To find a location near you visit us here.

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.

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.

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.

 

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs Helps Moms, Children

March is national nutrition month, a time to focus on the importance of good nutrition. Eating nutritious foods is essential for maintaining your health and well-being. 

For many people, that means taking steps to improve our diets and eating habits. If you’re looking for ways to get your family on the right track,  Texas WIC can help. WIC is a free supplemental nutrition assistance program for expecting mothers, mothers and children up to age 5. 

And it’s been shown to be effective: women and children on WIC have improved birth outcomes and it “significantly improves children’s diets,” according to the USDA.

WIC, A NUTRITIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM,  HELPS CHILDREN’S & MOMS HEALTH

Free supplemental nutrition assistance programs like WIC helps mothers and their children get a healthy start in many ways, but here are a few ways the supplemental nutrition program helps create healthy eating habits:

  1. Helping to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Fruits and vegetables are packed with fiber and nutrients, and they’re low in calories. They’re also a great source of antioxidants, which can help protect your body from disease.

Texas WIC is now offering more fruits and vegetable benefits than ever. Last year the program increased the program’s benefits to temporarily include even more fruit and vegetable benefits. Learn more about the expanded fruit and vegetable benefits here.

  1. Helping get fiber. 

Getting fiber is a great way to have a healthy diet. A great way to do that is to get whole grains and legumes into our diets. 

Texas WIC helps clients get even more whole grains in their diets. The WIC food lists for expecting mothers and older children include whole grains like whole-wheat bread, whole-wheat pasta and beans, which are filled with fiber.

  1. Diets with less added sugar. 

The WIC program offers healthy cereals as part of its free food benefit packages, to help ensure pregnant women and children have healthy foods that are not filled with extra sugars. 

Sometimes the hardest part of the battle is just knowing which cereal to pick. Texas WIC won’t steer you wrong when it comes to picking a healthy cereal.

JOIN WIC,  FREE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

If you are interested in joining Texas WIC, start your application online today.  

Pick up all your healthy WIC foods – from formula to fruit, vegetables, cereal, whole wheat foods and more – visit JC Food Mart Most of the products at JC Food Mart are WIC approved.

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