Save Time This December

Get Your WIC Groceries at JC Food Mart

December can be a busy time. 

On top of the already stressful kid routine, parents usually have a lot of added stress during a very busy month.

Instead of searching long aisles for WIC-approved foods, let us help you get all your WIC foods in one easy stop. WIC customers can get in-out-out fast, giving parents extra time to do everything else on their to-do lists. 

Bilingual clerks at JC Food Mart will help you get everything you need in one easy, fast stop. Visit today to let us show you how easy WIC grocery shopping can be. 

Potato Sides Perfect For Thanksgiving, Fall

Using WIC-Approved Foods For Your Family Dinner

Fall is the perfect time to dish out comfort food, and Thanksgiving is the perfect place for these foods. Many may argue that the perfect side dish is the potato. It’s also a perfect side for Thanksgiving.

As you prepare for Thanksgiving you might already be thinking about your menu. To help make preparing for the day easier, you might need a few ideas of sides your family will love. Here are a few recipes – featuring WIC-approved foods – we think you will like.

What’s better than hot, comforting cheesy potatoes? This dish is so good it can be a dinner on its own.

SCALLOPED POTATOES

4 cups of thinly sliced russet potatoes (about 4-5 medium-sized potatoes)

2 cups of grated cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)

3 cups of whole milk

1/4 cup of unsalted butter

1/4 cup of all-purpose flour

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1 teaspoon of salt (adjust to taste)

1/2 teaspoon of black pepper

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes. Stir in the flour to create a roux. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until the roux is light golden brown. Whisk in the milk to the roux, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook and whisk until the mixture thickens, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper. Layer half of the sliced potatoes in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour half of the cheese sauce evenly over the first layer of potatoes. Repeat with another layer. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake until the top is golden brown, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

This next recipe is classic, and many like to serve for Thanksgiving. It’s also perfect for fall. 

MASHED POTATOES

4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter

1/2 cup milk 

Salt and pepper to taste

Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly-sized pieces. Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and let the potatoes simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until they are fork-tender. You should be able to easily pierce the potatoes with a fork without them falling apart. Drain the cooked potatoes in a colander. Return the drained potatoes to the pot and place it back on the stove over low heat. Add the butter and milk to the potatoes. Start by adding half of the milk and butter and then adjust to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mash the potatoes using a potato masher or a hand mixer. Mash until the potatoes are smooth and creamy. Be careful not to overmix.

THE PERFECT OVEN FRIED POTATOES 

4-5 medium-sized russet potatoes, scrubbed and cut into wedges

2-3 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, toss the potato with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings like paprika and garlic powder. Ensure the potatoes are evenly coated. Spread the seasoned potato pieces in a single layer on the hot baking sheet. Make sure they are not overcrowded to allow them to crisp up. Roast the potatoes in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, flipping them once or twice during cooking, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.

Texas WIC Fruit, Vegetable Benefit Increase Extended

Texas WIC has announced that the WIC fruit and vegetable dollar amount increase is now extended through September. 

This extension, which is now being offered through Sept. 30, 2024,  has different dollar amounts based on your category. Eligible clients will receive the following:

  • Children get $26 each month 
  • Pregnant, postpartum and some breastfeeding clients get $47 each month 
  • Fully and partially breastfeeding clients get $52 each month  

If your benefits for November and December are for the lower dollar amount, WIC advises: “Use the myWIC app or contact your WIC office to schedule an appointment to update your card. In myWIC, choose the appointment called “Load WIC Card” to schedule a time to update your card with the higher dollar amount, according to its website.

You can check your WIC benefits by requesting a balance receipt from the cashier at JC Food Mart.

WIC benefits are expected to return to their normal levels Oct. 2024, which are $12 for pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women and $10 for children ages 1 to 5. 

Halloween Stuffed Peppers

Use WIC approved foods to make these Halloween stuffed peppers!

Ingredients:

1 cup steamed rice

1 can black beans

½ can of corn

1 cup of diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)

½ cup minced cilantro

1 cup shredded cheese

4 large bell peppers

 

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees fahrenheit. 

Mix the first 5 ingredients together in a large bowl, then mix in ¾ of the shredded cheese.

Use a small knife to cut the bell peppers like a jack-o-lantern and use a spoon to fill the bell peppers with the mixture. Set the filled peppers into a baking tray and top with the remaining shredded cheese. Bake for 25 minutes then let them cool for 5 minutes. Serve and enjoy!

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

WIC Inspired Recipes – Tuna Stuffed Tomatoes

These Tuna Stuffed Tomatoes with minimal ingredients make a great fresh snack (or meal) for those hot summer days when you don’t feel like cooking, and they only take a few minutes to make! 

TUNA STUFFED TOMATOES

3 cans of tuna (drained)

2 – 3 large tomatoes (the bigger the better!)

½ cup of chopped parsley

Black pepper & onion powder to taste

Optional: Add 1 – 2 tbsp of plain yogurt to make the tuna mix creamy

Drain 3 cans of tuna and empty into a medium sized bowl. Chop ½ cup of parsley and mix in with the tuna, along with black pepper and onion powder to taste. 

Rinse tomatoes with water and use a knife to cut a circle around the stems. Remove the top of the tomato and gently hollow out the insides with a spoon. Fill the tomatoes with the tuna mixture and enjoy! 

Summer Sheet Pan Recipes With WIC Foods

Summertime is the perfect time to enjoy quick and healthy meals with your family.

A quick healthy summer meal for the entire family is just a sheet pan and a few WIC ingredients away.

One of the easiest ways to do this is to use a sheet pan and a few WIC ingredients. Simply preheat your oven, line your sheet pan with foil, and add your favorite vegetables. Season everything with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs, and roast in the oven until cooked through. 

Sheet pan meals are not only healthy and delicious, but are also quick and easy to make. Plus, cleanup is a breeze! So next time you’re looking for a summertime meal that the whole family will enjoy, reach for a sheet pan and a few WIC ingredients. Here are a few ideas to kick-start your dinner.

For breakfast, lunch or dinner this sheet pan meal is tasty any time of day!

ROASTED VEGGIES & EGGS

Round up all your leftover vegetables you can find here are a few ideas:

Onion, chopped

Carrots, chopped 

Bell peppers, chopped

Tomatoes, quartered

Roasted Vegetables:

Toss vegetables on the pan and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. You can also add any other seasonings you may like such as a sprinkle of dried Italian Seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder or cumin. Put the vegetables on one side of the pan. Bake at 375 for about 20 to 30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Once they are cooked, remove from the pan. Serve.

For the Eggs:

Spray pan with non-stick spray and break eggs (as many as you would like) onto a sheet pan. Cook at 425 degrees for about 5 minutes or until eggs are set and cooked to the way you like them. Place vegetables on a plate and top with egg. 

This recipe is a spin on fish and chips, and can all be done on one sheet pan. 

TUNA PATTIES AND ROASTED POTATOES

2 cans Tuna

2 potatoes, diced

1/2 onion, diced, divided

¼ cup of breadcrumbs

1 egg

Celery, chopped

Salt and pepper

Put drained tuna in a bowl. Add ½ of the onion you diced (keeping some of the potatoes). Add breadcrumbs, egg, chopped celery. Form into patties, and place on a baking sheet. Brush the top with olive oil. Place diced potatoes on the other side of the baking sheet and the remaining onion. Season with salt and pepper. Cook at 400 for 15 minutes. Flip the tuna patties and cook for another 10 minutes. Serve.

Serving Up Good Luck

Green Fruits, Vegetables Packed With More Than Good Luck For St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than by incorporating some delicious green foods into your meals! Not only are green foods a festive way to celebrate the holiday, but they’re also packed with essential vitamins and nutrients that are important for overall health. These green fruits and vegetables are available through the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program so you can celebrate the Luck of the Irish while eating healthy.

6 Green WIC Foods For St. Patrick’s Day

  1. Broccoli: This green veggie is a great source of vitamin C, folate, and fiber. It can be steamed, roasted, or stir-fried to make a delicious and healthy side dish.
  2. Limes: These fruits are small, green citrus fruits that are packed with nutrients and health benefits. They are a great source of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, and can be used in a variety of recipes to add a zesty flavor and boost of nutrition. Plus, they taste great squeezed into water. Looking for a recipes for broccoli? Try this recipe for broccoli tater tots.
  3. Lettuce: This leafy green is a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin K, folate, and iron. Lettuce also contains fiber and antioxidants, which can help to promote digestive health and protect against chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Additionally, the high water content of lettuce can help to keep the body hydrated and promote healthy skin. Lettuce is versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, making it a great addition to any healthy diet. Here are a few recipes for salads we love.
  4. Avocado: This creamy green fruit is a great source of healthy fats, fiber, and potassium. Mash it up to make guacamole, spread it on toast, or use it as a topping for tacos or salads. Avocado Toast Recipes To Try
  5. Peas: A nutritious vegetable that is high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They are a great source of plant-based protein and are also low in fat and calories. Peas contain a range of important nutrients including vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin A, folate, iron, and zinc. They are also a good source of antioxidants, which can help to protect against cell damage and chronic diseases.  Enjoy them in a variety of ways, from salads and soups to side dishes and main meals, making them a versatile and delicious addition. Try this recipe featuring peas
  6. Cabbage: We can’t leave this one off for St. Patrick’s Day. This vegetable is high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and may help reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and even have anti-cancer effects. Additionally, cabbage is low in calories and can be easily incorporated into a healthy diet. Whether enjoyed raw in salads, fermented as sauerkraut, or cooked in a variety of dishes, cabbage is a nutritious and tasty addition to any meal.

These are just a few examples of the many WIC green foods that you can incorporate into your St. Patrick’s Day celebration. By choosing these healthy WIC options, you can ensure that your family is getting the nutrition they need while celebrating the holiday in a fun and festive way. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Here are a few recipes your family will enjoy:

ROASTED CABBAGE

1 head of green cabbage

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional toppings: grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh herbs, lemon juice

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove any damaged outer leaves from the cabbage and slice it into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Brush both sides of the cabbage rounds with olive oil and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Season the cabbage rounds with salt and pepper to taste. Roast the cabbage in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until the edges are crispy and golden brown. Remove the cabbage from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Top the roasted cabbage with grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh herbs, or a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired. Enjoy your delicious and healthy roasted cabbage.

EASY WIC GROCERY SHOPPING

Visit a JC Food Mart store to pick up all your WIC foods in one easy stop. Find a store near you here.

You might also be interested in these articles:

Black-Eyed Peas, Cabbage Recipe

WIC Breakfast Foods

WIC Inspired Recipes – Broccoli Tater Tots

Broccoli Tater Tots

3 large russet potatoes

2 (12 – 14 ounce) bags frozen broccoli florets that have been thawed, or 8 cups steamed broccoli florets

2 cups shredded parmesan cheese (or mozzarella)

2 teaspoons salt, plus more for sprinkling on top

Olive oil

Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring water to a boil and cook for 25 minutes, until fork tender but still have some give in the middle. Drain water and let potatoes cool until they are comfortable to handle. Once potatoes are warm enough to handle, remove the skins.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grate potatoes on the large side of a grater and place into a large bowl.

Place the broccoli into a food processor and blend until it’s in very small pieces, 30 seconds – one minute. You may need to do it in two batches. Place broccoli onto paper towels and squeeze all excess water out.

Add the broccoli to the grated potatoes along with the salt and mix everything together well.

Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper. Use your hands to form small cylinders with the mixture. Use about 1 tablespoon per tater tot. Place the cookie sheet in the freezer for about 10 minutes to allow them to firm up.

Brush the top of each tater tot with a small amount of olive oil and sprinkle each one with salt. Bake tater tots until browned crispy, about 30 minutes, flipping halfway though.

This recipe works great in an air fryer too!

Enjoy!

 

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