Celebrating Labor Day Weekend: A Time To Recharge, Relax

Labor Day weekend is almost here! For Texas WIC mothers, this occasion offers a perfect opportunity to step back, recharge, and revel in the joys of this well-deserved break.

Honoring Your Labor

 As a mother on the WIC program, you are engaged in one of the most important jobs of all – nurturing and caring for your precious family. This Labor Day, take a moment to recognize the labor of love you invest in your family every single day.

Quality Time with Family

Labor Day weekend extends the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with your loved ones. Whether you choose to have a picnic in a local park, organize a family barbecue, or simply have a movie night at home, cherish these moments together. Create memories that will last a lifetime and strengthen the bonds that make your family unique.

Relax and Rejuvenate

Labor Day weekend is also a prime time to practice self-care. As a devoted mother, you’re constantly putting the needs of others before your own. Use this break to prioritize your well-being. Whether it’s indulging in a soothing bubble bath, reading a book you’ve been meaning to delve into, or simply enjoying some quiet moments alone, remember that taking care of yourself is essential.

Embracing the End of Summer

As Labor Day weekend unofficially marks the end of summer, it’s a great opportunity to embrace the seasonal shift. Consider organizing a farewell-to-summer gathering with friends and family. Plan a potluck, where everyone brings a dish representing their favorite summer memory. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the past few months and welcome the autumn season with open arms.

Whether it’s spending time with family, exploring local gems, or simply enjoying moments of peace, embrace this opportunity to recharge and rejuvenate. Remember, your labor of love is worth celebrating, and this weekend is all about honoring the incredible efforts you put into your family every day.

Labor Day Recipe Ideas Using WIC Foods

Labor Day is a great time to enjoy delicious and hearty recipes with family and friends. Here are some recipes that you can make using WIC-approved ingredients, perfect for a Labor Day gathering:


CORN, TOMATO SALAD

Combine  the following in a bowl:

Corn kernels

Diced tomatoes

Chopped cilantro

Red onion

Dress with a mixture of lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper for a refreshing summer salad.

CREAMY COLESLAW

Make coleslaw using shredded cabbage, grated carrots, and chopped apples. Create a creamy dressing using plain yogurt, a touch of mayonnaise, lemon juice, and a hint of honey (optional)

CARROT AND APPLE SLAW

¼ cup of Carrots, grated 

¼ cup of Apples, grated

¼ cup of Greek yogurt

2 tablespoons of honey

2 tablespoons lemon juice.

Grate carrots and apples. Mix with Greek yogurt, honey, and a splash of lemon juice. Refrigerate and serve as a refreshing side.

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!

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!

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.

WIC Inspired Recipes: Limeade

limeade

LIMEADE

1 cup warm water

1 cup fresh squeezed lime juice (About 12 medium sized limes)

3 cups cold water

1 cup sugar

Combine the warm water and sugar in a pitcher, stir until sugar is dissolved. 

Stir in the lime juice, then add the cold water and stir. Chill before serving. 

Serve in a glass with ice and garnish with a slice of lime or mint leaves if you want to be fancy!

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.

Wellness Bowl With Creamy Avocado Dressing

Bowl:

1 sweet potato

1 can chickpeas or bean of your choice

1 cup brown rice

2 zucchini squash

½ cup onion

1 ½ cup lettuce

1/2 avocado

1 lemon or lime

Seasonings: Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika

Makes 2 servings

 

Dressing:

½ medium avocado

3 tbsp olive oil

3 tbsp plain yogurt

Juice of ½ lemon

1 garlic clove, minced

4 tbsp water

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

Blend ingredients together to make a tasty creamy avocado sauce to top off your bowl.

Cook the brown rice to package instructions and preheat the oven to 425. Wash and peel your sweet potatoes and cut into diced chunks. Add to a bowl and drizzle with olive oil and seasonings and add to a baking sheet lined with foil.  Peel and chop the onion and zucchini squash into strips, then add onions to the baking sheet along with the diced sweet potatoes. Roast for about 25 minutes or until the edges of the potatoes are golden brown and they can be easily pierced with a fork. While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat a skillet over medium heat. Once the skillet is hot, add 2 tbsp oil, chickpeas, zucchini, and seasonings. Stir frequently for about 10 minutes. They are done when they’re slightly browning on the outside.

To serve, add brown rice to a bowl and add the roasted sweet potatoes, onion, chickpeas, zucchini, lettuce, and avocado. Drizzle your desired amount of dressing on top and garnish with cilantro if you like. 

Enjoy!

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