Update!
Easy, Fast Breakfast Or Snack With WIC Foods
Seems like we are always in a rush. Looking for a quick and easy breakfast or snack? This one is perfect for you or your littles. It is made using only WIC foods: cereal, peaches and yogurt. Add a little dash of cinnamon for extra taste.
PEACH PARFAIT
1 cup Honey Bunches of Oats with Almonds (or any WIC cereal of your choice) 
1 snack size peach cup
1 cup of peach yogurt
Sprinkle of cinnamon
Pour ½ cup of cereal in a cup. Smear ½ cup of yogurt on top of cereal. Add ½ of the peach cup on top. Repeat layers of cereal, yogurt and peach cup. Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Enjoy!
GET MORE SNACKS USING WIC FOODS
Get these and all your other WIC foods at JC Food Mart, a grocery store chain that caters to WIC clients. Find a location near a WIC clinic near you here.
WIC Breakfast Foods
Breakfast Recipes With WIC Foods Good Enough To Eat All Day
Some might say breakfast is the best meal of the day.
Texas WIC offers many healthy breakfast foods for pregnant women and children to help get the day off to a great start. But it is also a great way to end a day.
Here are some examples of healthy WIC foods that make the best breakfast ingredients, no matter when you eat them.
Eggs , Whole Wheat Bread, Whole Wheat Tortillas, Fruit, Vegetables, Cereal, Oatmeal, Milk, Fruit Juice, Cheese, Yogurt are all part of the Texas WIC program.
These foods are healthy and great served individually. Combine to make some of the best breakfast foods: omelets, tacos, breakfast sandwiches, smoothies and more. But changing it up is always fun. Here are a few WIC breakfast foods with a twist your family will love
BREAKFAST QUESADILLA
2 Whole Wheat Tortilla
2 large eggs
¼ cup shredded cheese
1 teaspoon butter
Cooking spray
Salsa
Sliced Avocado
Crack eggs in a bowl and whisk. Spray skillet with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Put eggs in a pan and cook for about 5 minutes. Put eggs on a plate. Wipe pan clean. Lightly butter one side of the tortilla. Place butter side down in the pan. Put ½ of the scrambled eggs on top of the tortilla and add half of the cheese and fold the tortilla in half. Cook on each side until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese has melted, about 3 minutes. Repeat to make a second tortilla. Serve with salsa and sliced avocado.
PEANUT BUTTER, BANANA OVERNIGHT OATS
½ cup old fashioned rolled oats
½ cup milk
1/4 cup plain yogurt
1 teaspoons maple syrup or honey
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
pinch of salt
1 tablespoon peanut butter
Sliced bananas
Add oats, milk, yogurt, maple syrup and salt and ½ tablespoon of the peanut butter into a container with an air-tight lid. Stir. Place in the fridge overnight. The next morning, remove the lid. Stir oats and add a splash of milk. Top with remaining peanut butter and slice bananas. Overnight oats can remain in the fridge for up to 5 days in a sealed container.
For all your WIC groceries, visit any JC Food Mart location in San Antonio. JC Food Mart caters to WIC clients by providing an easy shopping experience and format to get all your WIC foods in one easy stop. SNAP also accepted. Find a location near a WIC clinic near you, jcfoodmart.com/locations.
Food From Texas WIC: Little Hands, Little Bites
Starting The Baby Food Journey
Babies grow up fast. Each month they hit new milestones and make even more progress toward becoming little toddlers. Food from Texas WIC can help them grow healthy and strong.
One of the biggest milestones is graduating from bottles to bites. After months of breastfeeding and bottles, your little one might be ready to transition to table food.
It may seem daunting, but this can be a really exciting time for parents and kids to start exploring the world of food.
There are so many flavors, textures and food adventures around the corner. As stressful as it may seem, this stage can be a lot of fun. Don’t worry if it seems you have gotten into a food fight with your toddler. It’s all part of the learning process. Here are a few tips to help you navigate this next phase.
READY, SET GO – FIRST BITES
Are you wondering if your baby is ready to try table food? Make sure to discuss any feeding transitions with your Texas WIC nutritionist or doctors before making this big change.
In general, Texas WIC experts set out these first year milestones to give you a general idea when babies are ready for milestones, but every baby is different.
Once you get the OK from a professional, let the fun begin. Wondering where to start? Popular first food choices are baby cereal, apple sauce, mashed bananas or even avocados. Make sure the food is soft and has a “paste” like consistency.
In the beginning it is best to stick to introducing only one new food at a time. This makes it easier to know which foods your baby may have had trouble tolerating. Whether you are starting with baby cereal or baby food, try introducing one flavor at a time.
Remember, babies have tine appetites and only require a few teaspoons at a time, WIC experts recommend.
HITTING SPEED BUMPS
If your baby doesn’t like a certain food at first, try, try, try again. It isn’t uncommon for a little one not to like a food when it is first introduced, but to come around to it later.
Once you know your baby tolerates certain foods, different flavors can be mixed together to make bites a little more interesting. A few good combinations are sweet potatoes and peas, apples and bananas or scrambled eggs.
CAUTION AHEAD
Be on the lookout for food allergies, which can occur between two minutes to hours of feedings, according to Texas WIC. Some of the most common to cause reactions, but experts warn any foods can cause allergies: dairy, eggs, wheat, soy, nuts, fish and shellfish.
Hives, red skin and face swelling are a few signs of reactions, but Texas WIC offers even more details about food allergies online. If your baby is having several signs of reaction or is having trouble breathing, call 911, according to Texas WIC.
Also, do not give babies foods that may cause them to choke like nuts or grapes.
TEXAS WIC CAN HELP
Texas WIC has resources to make feeding your baby easier. Everything from counseling to online classes can help along the way. Be sure to reach out if you have questions. Be sure to talk to a professional about any concerns or questions about your specific situation and baby.
Get all your WIC groceries in one easy stop at JC Food Mart in San Antonio. There are 10 locations located near WIC offices. Find a location near you today.
Texas WIC Offering Free Online Story Time, Classes
Texas WIC is offering a fun online story time for kids Tuesday, Aug. 16th from 9:30 am to 10 AM.
Kids will learn basic counting and color skills, how fruits and vegetables grow in a garden and how fun it is to try new foods. The story time is all part of Texas WIC’s free online classes for parents and kids. You can watch the program on a mobile device or computer. To register, visit the link here.
There are more FREE WIC classes coming up.
Check these out:
Live Discussion on breastfeeding, pumping and bottle feeding. This class will be held from 3 to 4 PM, August 16. Register here.
Live Discussion on Introducing your Baby to Foods. This class will be offered from 11 AM to noon August. 17th. Register here.
Live Discussion and Activity on Cool Drinks for Kids. This class will be held online from 11 AM to noon on August 18th. Register here
Texas WIC is a free nutritional education program for qualifying mothers and their children up to age 5. If you would like to apply, visit TexasWIC.org/apply.
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.
Pregnant & Need Help?
Are you pregnant and need help with your pregnancy, but not sure where to start? Start with Texas WIC.
The program is open to pregnant women that are Texas residents. The free program can begin as soon as you learn that you are expecting a baby. To qualify, expecting Texas mothers must meet the following income requirements, which are provided by Texas WIC:
Households with the following gross yearly income per member:
- 1 household member can qualify making up to $25,142 gross yearly income per household;
- 2 household members up to $33,874 gross yearly income;
- 3 household members up to $42,606 gross yearly income;
- 4 household members up to $51,338 gross yearly income;
- 5 household members up to $60,070 gross yearly income and
- 6 household members up to $68,802 gross yearly income.
Texas WIC provides FREE resources to help you along your pregnancy, including nutrition counseling and FREE healthy food packages to help ensure you and your baby have a healthy pregnancy.
To see if you qualify for the program, apply online at texaswic.com/apply.
JC Food Mart is a service provider for the WIC program, not a part of the WIC program.
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.
Ways To Save Money This Summer
Everything seems to cost more these days: gas, groceries, and almost everything else. Here are a few tips to help parents save money this summer on everything from groceries to gas. HINT: Maximizing Texas WIC can help!
MAKE FEWER TRIPS
One way to save gas money is to try to fit in as many errands into the same trip. Fewer trips to an area help reduce the number of miles you are driving to get there and back. Mapping out your errands this way also helps you save time.
For example, if you are driving to a WIC clinic to renew your benefits then pick up your WIC groceries at a nearby PWIC store that caters to WIC clients. Stores like JC Food Mart locations are usually really really close to WIC clinics. Sometimes they are even next door. Find a PWIC store near you at JCFoodMart.com/locations.
SAVE MONEY WITH WIC: USE EBT
Another way to save money is to make sure you redeem all your EBT benefits. Remember, if you don’t use your WIC benefits by the end of the month they expire. SNAP benefits never expire so redeem your WIC benefits first. Bonus, JC Food Mart locations accept WIC and SNAP EBT.
Using programs like WIC for food benefits will help you save money on food. Plus, PWIC stores like JC Food Mart caters to WIC clients. That means we have all your WIC items in one place, and the bilingual staff is familiar with the program if you need help.
PLAN YOUR MENU AHEAD, SAVE MONEY WITH WIC FOODS
Another way to save money is to plan your menu for the week or even the month ahead. It also helps create less waste. For example, if you roast veggies you can use them for two meals in one week by using them in a stir-fry one night, as a side, or even in a salad or a grilled sandwich. It also helps you save time because you can cook multiple meals at one time.
Plus, check out our blog for more recipe ideas using WIC foods.
It’s also a great activity for kids. When you get them involved, you can have age-appropriate conversations about healthy foods, meal planning, and not wasting food.