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Yearly Archives: 2023

February 2023

Baby Teething Cookies

2023-06-27T18:57:28+00:00February 13th, 2023|Categories: Baby Food, Child Health, Meal Planning, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , |

Your Little One Will Love These Valentine Biscuits All Year Long

If your baby is learning to eat table food, these are the perfect Valentine’s Day treat. 

These teething biscuits are made with WIC-approved baby cereal and baby food. Use any baby food flavor your little one likes. Experts recommend that you have tried each of these food items separately before combining them, in the event there is a food allergy. So try a baby food flavor and baby cereal your little one likes. 

The texture, flavor and even fun shapes are sure to be a hit. The consistency is a little chewy, perfect for a baby to learn how to use their mouth to chew. As always, make sure you watch your baby eat while they test out these lovable cookie treats. These are also perfect for mom because they are super simple to make.

BABY TEETHING BISCUITS 

1 jar of baby food, any flavor

¾ cups of flour for cookies

½ cup of flour for dusting

3 tablespoons of water

Sprinkle of ground cinnamon

1 cup of baby cereal (we used oatmeal)

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Mix wet and dry ingredients until fully incorporated. You may need to add a bit more water to make sure all the dry ingredients are moist. Form a ball. Prepare the surface and rolling pin by dusting with flour. Roll out your dough like you would cookies. Cut using cookie cutters or just use a knife to make bars. Place on a cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes at 425 degrees. Let them cool entirely before you give them to your little one. Make sure they are cool to the touch. Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.

GROCERY SERVICES NORTH

Get all your WIC foods, including your baby food and cereal, at any Grocery Services North store. You can get all your WIC foods in one easy stop. SNAP also accepted. Find a store near you online.

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WIC Inspired Recipes – Chilaquiles & Salsa

2023-02-10T11:15:02+00:00February 10th, 2023|Categories: Meal Planning, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , |

CHILAQUILES & SALSA 

Makes 2 servings.

SALSA

1 large onion

4 – 5 large tomatoes

1 jalapeno

(remove seeds from jalapeno, or replace with ½ bell pepper if you don’t want it spicy)

Juice of ½ lime or lemon

1 cup cilantro

Salt and/or sugar to taste

For extra flavor, add a whole bulb of garlic to the veggies!

Cook vegetables in the oven at 425 degrees for 30 minutes, turning the veggies over halfway through. Allow to cool for about 15 minutes, then add veggies into a blender along with cilantro and lime or lemon juice. Blend until there’s no chunks, then it’s ready to serve!

CHILAQUILES

2 tbsp Vegetable oil

6 Corn tortillas, each cut into 6 wedges

2 Eggs

1 cup of Salsa 

(To save time, you can use WIC approved Always Save Mild Salsa from Grocery Services North instead of making your own)

Pepper

Additional Optional Toppings – Sliced avocado, shredded cheese, onion, cilantro, or even more salsa!

In a large non-stick pan, coat generously with about 2 tbsp vegetable oil and heat on stove top to medium high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the tortillas and fry until golden brown. Remove from heat and move tortillas to a paper towel lined plate to soak up any excess oil. Remove any remaining brown tortilla pieces in the pan. Add 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan, add the salsa and let cook for a few minutes while stirring occasionally. Add the fried tortilla wedges to the pan and gently turn over until tortillas are coated with salsa. Let cook for a few more minutes until tortillas are thoroughly soaked in salsa, yet still slightly crispy. Remove from heat and move tortillas to the plates. Return the pan to the stove top and fry the eggs. On each plate, top the tortillas with the fried eggs. Top with your choice of favorite toppings like shredded cheese and/or avocado for some extra flavor!

Enjoy!

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Toddler Snack Boxes

2023-02-09T18:32:30+00:00February 8th, 2023|Categories: Child Health, Meal Planning, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , , , , , , |

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 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 Grocery Services North stores. Visit a location today to see how easy it can be.

Looking for more helpful ideas?  Check out our post about WIC Snacks.

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Love Texas WIC Program All Year Long

2023-02-07T14:04:45+00:00February 6th, 2023|Categories: Baby Food, Mom Health, Pregnancy, Texas WIC, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , , , |

There are so many things to love about Texas WIC. 

For starters, it’s a great place for parents to turn for help. The pros at Texas WIC can also show parents the ropes for self love during pregnancy and after. Plus, nutrition tips and free healthy food packages help moms and babies eat healthy.

PRO PARENTING TIPS

Texas WIC is the perfect place to turn for your parenting questions. Whether you are pregnant and wondering what is safe for expecting moms to eat or you want help feeding your infant, Texas WIC has the answers. Plus, the program is free for qualifying Texas mothers. 

As your baby grows, Texas WIC offers tips and guidance about developmental milestones and how to care, feed your baby so they grow up healthy. 

SELF LOVE DURING AND AFTER PREGNANCY

Texas WIC also helps mothers stay healthy. A healthy mother helps create healthy babies. Texas WIC pros offer tips on how to eat, exercise and take care of you and your baby while you are pregnant and while breastfeeding. 

HEALTHY NUTRITION

Some might say the best part of Texas WIC is the free healthy food packages for WIC clients. The packages start when moms learn they are expecting. They are also adapted for children until they turn 5 years old.  So mom and babies can get free, nutritious foods like milk, bread, healthy cereal, baby formula, fruits and vegetables and so much more. The Texas WIC program is for qualifying Texas mothers and children up to age 5. To apply for Texas WIC, visit them online at Texaswic.org.

GROCERY SERVICES NORTH

Grocery Services North stores help WIC clients get all their WIC foods in one easy stop. Bilingual clerks help customers shop for their foods. Find out how easy WIC shopping can be, and visit a store today. Grocery Services North is a service provider for the WIC program, not a part of the WIC program.

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January 2023

WIC Inspired Recipes – Baked Squash

2023-08-11T01:16:03+00:00January 23rd, 2023|Categories: Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , , , , , , , |

This warm, baked squash recipe is satisfying and comforting on a cold day. It’s packed with nutrition and WIC foods, and it’s a great side or main dish to serve your family.
BAKED SQUASH
6-8 squash cleaned and sliced
4 slices of bread of your choice, processed in food processor to make homemade breadcrumbs
1/4 cup olive oil
1 8oz block of cheddar cheese, sliced or shredded
1/2 stick cubed butter
1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
1/2 tablespoon onion powder
Salt, pepper to taste
Place sliced squash in a slow cooker and season with salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder and olive oil. Cook for 4 hours on high. Place cooked squash into a dutch oven and bake for 30 minutes at 375 degrees. Place cheese all around the top of the squash and bake for 30 minutes or until melted. Add breadcrumbs and cubed butter on top. Broil for 5 minutes or until golden brown. Enjoy!
Pick up your WIC foods all on in one spot at Grocery Services North stores. Find one near you at groceryservicesnorth.com/locations
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Ways Texas WIC Helps Moms, Babies

2023-01-24T14:30:25+00:00January 23rd, 2023|Categories: Baby Food, Baby Formula, Child Health, Mom Health, Pregnancy, Texas WIC, WIC Food, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , , |

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.

  1. WIC provides supplemental foods to qualifying pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women.
  2. WIC helps to improve the health of pregnant women and their babies. That includes providing baby formula to babies in need.
  3. WIC provides nutrition education and counseling to help participants make healthy food choices. 
  4. WIC helps participants access other social services. 
  5. 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 Grocery Services North stores in Dallas, Garland, Grand Prairie, Plano, Waco, Tyler and Longview. Bilingual clerks help WIC clients get all their WIC foods in one easy stop. Visit today to find out how easy WIC shopping can be. Find a store near you at groceryservicesnorth.com/locations

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WIC Produce Benefits Update

2023-01-16T13:27:28+00:00January 11th, 2023|Categories: Texas WIC, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , , , , |

Expanded Dollar Amount For Fruit, Vegetable Benefits Offered Until Sept. 2023

Good news! Texas WIC’s temporary fruit and vegetable dollar amount increase is now being offered through September 30, 2023!  The increased dollar amount for WIC produce benefits (fruits and vegetables) are for the following amounts:

  • Children get $25 each month 
  • Pregnant, postpartum and some breastfeeding clients get $44 each month 
  • Fully and partially breastfeeding clients get $49 each month 

Texas WIC professionals provided the following example: if you are pregnant and have two children (ages 1-5) receiving WIC, you will get $94 ($44 mom + $25 child + $25 child = $94) to buy fruit and vegetables. 

You will see this new amount on your shopping list under your benefit amount, according to Texas WIC.

The fruit and vegetable benefits are expected to return to the normal amounts on Oct. 1, 2023.  WIC clients can use their benefits to buy fruits and vegetables that are fresh, frozen and in cans, glass jars and plastic containers.

USE WIC PRODUCE BENEFITS FOR THESE RECIPES

Pick up all your WIC foods at any Grocery Services North store. There are 11 locations in Dallas, Grand Prairie, Garland, Plano, Tyler and Longview. to help you get your WIC foods in one easy, fast top. Visit today to find out how easy WIC shopping can be. Here are a few recipes using WIC-approved fruits, vegetables you might like:

Two Recipes Featuring WIC Foods

Ratatouille Recipe

For even more recipes, visit our blog.

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WIC Inspired Recipe

2023-01-11T18:19:59+00:00January 9th, 2023|Categories: Grocery Services North, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , , , , , , |

Use WIC-Approved Pasta to Make This Comforting Meal

This recipe features WIC-approved pasta, and is sure to be a crowd pleaser. It’s creamy and cheesy…the kids might not even notice the vegetables! Plus, it makes a big batch so you can cook and eat more than once.

Lemon Alfredo Bowties with Tuna & Peas

1 lb whole wheat pasta

1 cup frozen peas

2 cans tuna

Juice from ½ lemon 

(Add lemon zest to bring out more lemon flavor)

2 tablespoons minced garlic

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 ½ cups whole milk

½ stick butter

1 ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese 

(Mozzarella works great too – Just be sure not to use pre-shredded cheese!)

¼ cup flour

Season with pepper, onion powder, & oregano to your taste

Boil pasta with 1 tablespoon of salt for 10-12 minutes, or suggested cook time on package. 

Drain & set aside. In the same pot, heat olive oil at medium high heat and add minced garlic. Cook for about 3 minutes, or until golden. Add tuna and break up into smaller pieces. Add lemon zest and lemon juice, cook for 3 minutes, then add butter and half of the shredded cheese. Slowly add in milk and flour, while stirring well. Turn the heat down to medium and bring to a simmer while stirring often. Add in peas, and the other half of the shredded cheese. Cook for about 5 more minutes, stirring often, then turn off the heat. Slowly mix in the pasta. 

Top with more shredded cheese if you like! Enjoy!

Get all your WIC-approved pasta and other WIC foods at Grocery Services North stores. It’s easy, fast and you can get all your WIC foods in one easy stop. Visit today to see for yourself.

Looking for more WIC-inspired recipes? Check out our blog. 

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Mom Hacks Using WIC Foods

2023-01-11T16:06:33+00:00January 5th, 2023|Categories: Baby Food, Child Health, Grocery Services North, Meal Planning, Mom Health, Pregnancy, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , , , , , |

Moms and moms-to-be all need savvy, time-saving hacks to save time, be healthy and to maintain sanity.

Infant and toddler moms don’t usually have a lot of spare time. Moms often feel a lot of stress to take care of tiny humans. That’s why we have come up with some great mom hacks to help save time while offering a little piece-of-mind.

Stress for expecting mothers can also be high. What can you eat? What should you not eat? It can be overwhelming. Not to mention, you are creating a human in your belly. That is very tiring.

PREGNANCY HACKS

Now is the perfect time to practice carrying a prepared bag (think diaper bag for moms). Except this bag will be filled with healthy snacks/water for mom. Here are a few ideas for your mom bag: water bottle, dry WIC-approved cereal – which is packed with iron and fiber. Other ideas for your “snack” bag: fresh fruit like bananas or peanut butter on whole wheat bread. Get more information about WIC foods and pregnancy here.

TIME SAVING COOKING HACKS FOR MOMS

Every mom loves a good kitchen shortcut. Here are a few ideas you can use in the kitchen to help you save time and maintain your sanity.

  1. First up: homemade teething rings. When toddlers start to teeth, it can be painful for your baby and hard on mom. No parent likes a little one to cry in pain. Make homemade teething ring popsicles. The cold pop is perfect for sore gums. Plus, because you can make several at a time and freeze you will have treats for weeks to come. Here is a recipe you can use:

BERRY YOGURT POPSICLES

1 ½ bananas (mom can eat the other half)

16 ounces of yogurt (any flavor)

4 ounces of blueberries

Blend all ingredients in a blender until it is very smooth. Place yogurt mixture into popsicle molds. Freeze for at least 6 hours. Keep in the freezer for the next time your child needs a treat.

2. Here is another time-saving hack: make pre-made snacks for hungry toddlers. Moms know that one of your main roles as a parent is to give your child healthy foods. It can often feel like a full-time job. You can save time by making several pre-made snacks to keep on hand. Pre-cook boiled eggs to have on head in the fridge. These are great for children starting to eat real foods and older kids looking for a snack. For kiddos starting to eat table food, make sure you have easy foods you can grab when your baby is hungry. A few great examples are avocados and bananas that can be smashed for smaller children. Here are a few more ideas for snacks using WIC foods.

CRAFTY PROJECTS

Having a little fun can also be a great way to take a break and cut the stress. We have gathered a few hacks using containers from WIC foods. Use empty and cleaned milk and egg cartons for fun crafty projects. So are baby food jars. Here are a few ideas:

  1. Turn your egg carton into a fun container for kid paint. Each egg holder can be for a different color. Your egg container could also be used to create a homemade sensory tray. Fill the egg carton with items with different textures that you can find around the house: a small ball of yarn, a block, a small piece of fabric. Just make sure the items are age-appropriate and are not a choking hazard for your little one.
  2. For older kids, use the lids from your milk jugs to make checkers pieces. Just color the lid black or red. Save enough to make your own checkers pieces. Make a checkerboard out of cardboard or a piece of paper you have around the house.

Of course your imagination is the limit for using containers to help entertain your kids. Sometimes kids enjoy making toys out of the simplest items around your house.

The best mom hack of all is to get all your WIC foods in one easy stop at any Grocery Services North location. Since you won’t have to go searching down long aisles to get all your WIC foods, you will save time and your sanity. Find a location near you.

Do you have mom hacks you would like to share? Drop them in the comments below. Use hashtag #GSNmomhacks

Looking for more blog articles about these topics? Check these out:

Join WIC During Pregnancy

3 Reasons To Join WIC

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