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February 2022

Help Your Baby Get Healthy Start With Texas WIC

2022-08-26T01:52:33+00:00February 25th, 2022|Categories: Baby Food, Baby Formula, Child Health, Mom Health, Pregnancy, Texas WIC, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: |

Texas WIC helps new moms provide the healthiest start possible for their babies. The free nutrition assistance program helps provide everything from nutrition education to healthy foods for moms and their babies. 

 Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about the WIC program: from what benefits are included, how to apply, and the benefits of the program.

What is WIC?

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) provides supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age five to Texas residents that meet certain income requirements. 

Who Is Eligible For free nutrition assistance from Texas WIC?

If you are on Medicaid, TANF, or SNAP, you meet the income eligibility guidelines for WIC. If you don’t qualify for these programs, you may still qualify for WIC by meeting the income guidelines for your household. You must live in Texas. You do not have to be a U.S. citizen to be part of the WIC program. Apply in person to learn if you are eligible. The program is open to:

  • Pregnant women
  • Breastfeeding women
  • Women who had a baby within the last six months
  • Parents, step-parents, guardians, and foster parents of infants and children who are younger than 5

How to find your local WIC office?

To find your local WIC office, visit TexasWIC.org. Using the website’s Clinic Finder Tool you will be able to type in your address and find the nearest clinic to your home. You can also call 800-942-3678 to find a clinic near you.

You can also visit WICDallas.net to find clinics and PWIC grocery stores in the Dallas and surrounding area. PWIC grocery stores, like Grocery Servicers North, cater to WIC clients. The stores primarily carry WIC foods, and help make WIC grocery shopping easier.

How to apply for WIC benefits

To apply for free nutrition assistance from the WIC program, you will need to complete an application and provide documentation of your income, address and identity. You can apply online at TexasWIC.org.You can also set up an appointment by phone by calling 800-942-3678. Once your application is processed, you will be informed of the results and may be eligible to receive WIC benefits.

The benefits of getting free nutrition assistance from WIC

The benefits of using the WIC program include free access to:

  • Nutrition education
  • Monthly food packages that include Healthy foods for you and your baby
  • Referrals to health care providers
  • Free breast pumps and other supplies for breastfeeding mothers

For more information about the WIC program, visit TexasWIC.org.

Apply today to help your baby get a healthy start. 

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How to Eat Healthy With The WIC Program

2022-03-18T15:55:35+00:00February 24th, 2022|Categories: Baby Food, Child Health, Mom Health, Pregnancy, Texas WIC, WIC Food, WIC Nutrition|Tags: |

If you’re a mom on a budget, you know how hard it can be to provide your family with healthy meals. But did you know that the Texas WIC program can help? Learn how to eat healthy with WIC.

Texas WIC is a government program that provides financial assistance and nutrition education to low-income families. Learn how the WIC program works and learn a few tips for eating well on a budget.

1. What is WIC and what does it offer participants?

Texas WIC is is a nutrition education program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)  that helps moms provide a healthy start for their babies. The program provides free nutrition education, counseling, breastfeeding support, and free monthly supplemental food packages for pregnant women, postpartum women, and children up to age 5. 

2. How to apply for the WIC program?

If you are a Texas resident that is pregnant or are a mother of a child younger than 5 you can apply for the program by visiting WIC online to start your application or by calling 800-942-3678 to locate a WIC clinic to schedule an appointment to apply. 

3. What foods are available with the WIC program?

There are several free monthly food packages that are different for moms and children based on their age and nutritional needs. There is a specific food package for pregnant mothers that includes foods that, according to WIC, “are low in fat and high in fiber, provide nutritional variety and help promote a healthy weight gain for a healthy baby.”  Infants have packages that may include baby formula and older children have packages that include eggs, fruits and vegetables, cereals, and more.

4. How to use your benefits to eat healthy with WIC

Texas WIC clients receive an EBT card that is loaded each month with their WIC benefits. Clients take their EBT to the store to redeem their benefits. Stores like Grocery Services North – which are PWIC stores that cater to WIC clients – help make it easy for WIC customers to get all their WIC products in one easy stop. 

5. Sample meal ideas using only WIC-approved foods

WIC-approved foods help make it easy to create healthy meals for your family. Use WIC-approved foods to make meals like omelets (which use WIC-approved eggs and vegetables), stir fry (using WIC foods like whole-wheat rice and vegetables), beans, and whole-wheat rice and pasta dishes use whole-wheat pasta and cheese. The options are endless and you know you are going to be eating healthier when you are cooking with WIC foods. Get more recipe ideas using WIC foods on our blog. 

The WIC program is a great way to get started on the path to healthy eating on a budget. With the help of Grocery Services North, it’s easy to find nutritious WIC-approved foods that your family will love.

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Recalled Formula Update

2022-03-16T19:43:11+00:00February 21st, 2022|Categories: Baby Formula, Texas WIC, WIC Food|Tags: , |

We continue to monitor the Abbott Formula recall and update our customers as we become aware of any changes.

To find out if the product you have is included in this recall, visit similacrecall.com and type in the code on the bottom of the package, or call +1-800-986-8540 (U.S.) and follow the instructions provided.

For questions about exchanging or returning your formula for another kind, or about your benefits, please see your WIC Clinic. Texas WIC is working to develop instructions on how to handle the formula recall.  

Here at Grocery Services North, we have gone through our entire inventory and have removed all recalled products. We strive to adhere to and follow all manufacturer recalls.

We are also working with manufacturers to ensure that we receive new, unaffected product in stock as soon as possible. Rest assured that, your health and safety are very important to us. We will update this notice if Abbott puts out anything new on this subject.

Thank you. We do appreciate your business and patience while this manufacturer works to resolve this.

Customers can also contact Similac Customer Service at:

1-800-986-8540 or similacrecall.com

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RECALL ALERT: Check Your Formula

2022-03-16T19:43:35+00:00February 18th, 2022|Categories: Baby Food, Baby Formula, Child Health, Texas WIC, WIC Food, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , |

The FDA has announced a voluntary recall of Similac products (including Total Comfort, Spit Up and Sensitive). Consumers can check the bottom of their baby formula for the information below:
 
The products under recall have a multidigit number on the bottom of the container starting with the first two digits 22 through 37, contains K8, SH, or Z2 and with an expiration date of April 1, 2022, or after.

HOW TO CHECK IF YOUR FORMULA IS RECALLED

To find out if the product you have is included in this recall, visit similacrecall.com and type in the code on the bottom of the package, or call +1-800-986-8540 (U.S.) and follow the instructions provided. If you have questions about feeding your child, contact your healthcare professional.
 
Check back for updates.
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January 2022

Expecting A Baby in 2022? Let Texas WIC Help

2022-08-26T02:05:04+00:00January 21st, 2022|Categories: Baby Food, Baby Formula, Child Health, Texas WIC|Tags: , , , |

If you are expecting a baby in 2022, Texas WIC can help you get off to a healthy start.

The program is open to eligible expecting mothers and mothers with children up to age five. To qualify, Texas residents must meet certain income requirements. (Learn more about the requirements below.) 

Texas WIC benefits are offered to qualifying expectant mothers in order to help them get proper nutrition and education while they are pregnant.  

Pregnant mothers can even get a free food package to help ensure they are getting healthy foods. Expecting mothers can access their FREE benefits with a Texas WIC ebt card, which allows clients to pay for their FREE monthly WIC food benefits such as eggs, cereal, fruits and vegetables and more!

The WIC program also provides important pregnancy education, including FREE online classes that help mothers to be on everything from how to plan for a healthy pregnancy and how to eat healthy while pregnant. Their education guidance also helps mothers know what to expect during pregnancy.

The program continues to help once the baby arrives by providing breastfeeding support and access to healthy nutrition for mothers and their babies.

Mothers can access all their WIC benefits in an easy, hassle-free shopping experience at any Grocery Services North store. There are 11 locations in Dallas, Waco, Tyler, and Longview. All the groceries in the Primarily WIC store are WIC approved, and our bilingual clerks help make WIC shopping super easy. Find a location online at GroceryServicesNorth.com/locations.

Are you Eligible for Texas WIC? Find Out If Texas WIC Can Help

To qualify for Texas WIC is open to Texas residents that are:

  • Pregnant women
  • Breastfeeding women
  • Infants
  • Families with children younger than 5 years old

Texas residents must also meet income requirements to join Texas WIC.

According to Texas WIC:  “If you are on Medicaid, TANF, or SNAP you meet the income eligibility guidelines for WIC. If you don’t qualify for these programs, you may still qualify for WIC by meeting the income guidelines for your household. The Recovery Rebate Credit, also known as stimulus checks, and the Child Tax Credit direct payments are not included when calculating your income to determine eligibility.”

WIC has provided these Gross Yearly Income guidelines from its website and was updated as of 7/19/22: 

Number of Household Members* Gross Yearly Household Income**
1 $0 up to $25,142
2 $0 up to $33,874
3 $0 up to $42,606
4 $0 up to $51,338
5 $0 up to $60,070
6 $0 up to $68,802

*A pregnant woman’s household is increased by the number of infants she is expecting. For more than 6 household members, or if you have any income questions, call 1-800-942-3678. This information is provided by Texas WIC, and is subject to change. Last updated 7/19/2022.

**Income can also be determined on a weekly or biweekly basis. For more information, call 1-800-942-3678. This information is provided by Texas WIC, and is subject to change. Last updated 7/19/2022.

Apply for Texas WIC online at TexasWIC.org/apply

 

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Healthy Snack With WIC Foods

2022-01-18T23:40:55+00:00January 2nd, 2022|Categories: Grocery Services North, Kid Activities, Recipes, Texas WIC, WIC Food, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , |

Banana Sushi

Healthy Snack With WIC Foods: Peanut Butter, Banana Sushi

Start the New Year off right with a healthy snack with WIC foods for your kids.  All the ingredients in this recipe are WIC foods. Plus, it’s just as fun to eat as it is healthy.

This recipe is a fun activity and snack all rolled up into one. You can have the kids help make the recipe. They will have just as much fun making it as they will eating it. To make it even more fun, let the kids try eating this sushi snack with chopsticks. They will have another fun activity along with their snack.

PEANUT BUTTER, BANANA SUSHI

2 Tablespoons creamy peanut butter

1 Banana

¼ Cup crispy rice cereal such as Rice Crispy Treats

Peel Banana and place on a plate. Spread a layer of peanut butter on all sides of the banana. Roll peanut butter coated banana in cereal. Cut banana into slices and serve on a plate. 

EASY WIC SHOPPING AT GROCERY SERVICES NORTH

Get all your WIC ingredients in one stop at Grocery Services North, which offers hassle-free WIC grocery shopping.  Find a location at groceryservicesnorth.com/locations.

Did you make this WIC-inspired recipe? Let’s be friends.  Tag us on Instagram or Facebook using @groceryservicesnorth

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December 2021

12 Recipes Using WIC Foods For Christmas

2023-11-10T19:53:32+00:00December 21st, 2021|Categories: Grocery Services North, Recipes, Texas WIC, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |

This is the perfect time to spend quality time in the kitchen with your family. Food and holidays go hand-and-hand. To help you get in the holiday spirit, here are 12 recipes using WIC foods you might consider making for your family this Christmas.

BERRY BREAD PUDDING

This recipe from the USDA’s MyPlate, features several WIC foods: frozen berries, whole wheat bread and yogurt. https://www.myplate.gov/recipes/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/berry-bread-pudding

HOMEMADE CHEESE STICKS

Homemade Cheese Sticks

Spending time in the kitchen is the perfect way to get quality time with your kids. This fun snack or appetizer from CookingMatters.org is sure to be a fun one for the whole family to make. It also has several WIC foods. Consider making your own bread crumbs with a slice or two of whole-wheat bread. https://cookingmatters.org/recipe/mozzarella-sticks/

PINEAPPLE CARROT MUFFINS

Every holiday needs a muffin. This one from CookingMatters.org won’t disappoint. It even features WIC-friendly fruits and vegetables. https://cookingmatters.org/recipe/pineapple-carrot-muffins/

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WIC Benefit Expansion Extended Thru March

2022-08-26T01:01:59+00:00December 16th, 2021|Categories: Texas WIC, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , |

More WIC Fruit, Vegetables Added Until New Year

Women, Infant and Children (WIC) clients are getting a little something extra for the new year: an extension on the expanded produce (fruits, vegetables) benefits.

Texas WIC announced on its website that the expanded fruit and vegetable benefits will be offered through the end of March 2022.

WIC BENEFIT

“This extension has different dollar amounts based on your category. Eligible clients will receive the following,” according to Texas WIC. 

Here is an example the agency provided: 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 January, February and March to buy WIC produce, according to Texas WIC.

WIC clients will find this new amount on your shopping list under their WIC redeemable amount. 

Texas WIC urges clients that have already received benefits on their WIC cards for the first three months of the year to contact their local WIC office to get the expanded benefits for produce (fruits and vegetable) benefits. Produce benefits are expected to return to regular levels at the end of March. 

WIC Clients can pick up their WIC benefits at any Grocery Services North location in Dallas, Waco, Longview, and Tyler. The stores cater to WIC clients and offer easy WIC shopping. Bilingual clerks help clients personally shop for their groceries, and clients can check their WIC allowance before shopping. Find out how easy WIC shopping can be. Visit a Grocery Services North location today. Get more WIC news on the Grocery Services North blog.

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November 2021

Planning Thanksgiving Recipes Helps Make Holiday More Fun

2022-03-16T19:45:07+00:00November 19th, 2021|Categories: Grocery Services North, Meal Planning, Recipes, Texas WIC, WIC Grocery Shopping|Tags: , |

Turkey Day is almost here. There is so much to be thankful for this year. It may be the first time in a  couple of years we can more safely gather with family and friends. Bringing back some of our familiar holiday traditions will be even sweeter this year. 

Getting ready for the day can be less stressful if planning in advance. Here are some tips to help make the day full of fun. 

PLANNING IS THE KEY

The most important step is planning in advance. Plan your menu, plan your shopping and plan what you can make in advance. Remember, simple is usually better. 

Get all your shopping done as early as possible. One way to save time and money is by getting all your WIC foods at Grocery Services North early in the week. Click on our blog post here for our special Thanksgiving Week hours. WIC Food Shopping

Use your expanded WIC fruit and vegetable allowance to pick up produce for your Thanksgiving sides: bread, potatoes, onions, carrots, frozen vegetables, cheese and fruit just to name a few. Beans, another WIC-approved food, also make a great Thanksgiving Day side. 

Use ingredients you have to plan your menu. You can make a list on your phone or the old-fashioned way with paper and pencil. Making a list will help you make sure you have everything you need, and help plan out your recipes. 

There are so many recipes options for creating a Thanksgiving Day menu, and they don’t have to be complicated or use 100 ingredients. Simple is usually better. If you are looking for a few places online to find healthy, simple recipes check out these websites:

Texas WIC: Texas WIC has some great healthy recipes using WIC foods. Here are some of our favorites for Thanksgiving: Apple Crisp, Sweet Potato Balls,  Citrus Glazed Carrots,  Fruit Salad & Fruit Dip and Carrot Bread

Cooking Matters: This website is full of great, healthy recipes. Here are a few your family might like for Thanksgiving: Banana Pudding, baked apples and tips for cooking beans.

USDA: This website offers several recipes for Thanksgiving Day and they even have recipes for your leftovers. 

SIMPLE IS BETTER

Thanksgiving TurkeyDoes the thought of cooking turkey stress you out? You don’t have to cook an entire turkey. Make a small turkey breast or turkey tenderloin. They are much less intimidating and usually cost less than cooking an entire bird. Or, roast a chicken. You could also skip making a traditional Thanksgiving and opt for making your family’s favorite meal. 

If you are making a turkey, check out the USDA’s tips for cooking a bird here.

Thanksgiving FamilyENJOY ALL THE MOMENTS  

Spending time with your kids, family and friends is the best part of the day. After your meal, find time to play outside or go for a walk. It’s a great activity for the whole family.  Everyone at Grocery Services North wishes you and your family a happy and safe Thanksgiving. All of our locations will be open regular hours on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Find a location here. We also accept SNAP. Hope to see you soon. 

 

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October 2021

Online WIC Classes Packed With Tips

2022-08-26T01:10:10+00:00October 13th, 2021|Categories: Baby Formula, Pregnancy, Texas WIC, WIC Food, WIC Nutrition|Tags: |

Take Free WIC Classes At Home From Phone, Computer

Texas WIC classes this month are packed with wonderful tips from experts. Included are sessions on from everything from how to make a recipe using WIC foods to storytime for your little one.  Use the link below to Texas WIC to sign up for the free classes.

Here is a glance at some of the FREE upcoming LIVE ONLINE classes that can be taken from the comfort of your own home: 

  • Introducing Your Baby To Foods – Oct. 13 – 11 AM to Noon  In this class, Texas WIC covers how to know if your baby is ready for solid foods and what foods to introduce at first.
  • Story Time with Zobey – Oct. 14th – 9:30 – 10 AM Texas WIC makes learning with your little one fun with a story told by Zobey. In this story, Zobey introduces how fruits and vegetables grow in a garden and explains why trying new foods is fun.
  • Discussion on Picky Eating – Oct. 18th – 10 – 11 AM Experts at Texas WIC explain how to encourage new foods and how to respond to picky eating.
  • Cooking with WIC Foods – Oct. 18th – 11:30 – 12:30 In this fun class, Texas WIC demonstrates how to turn WIC foods into a fun cooking activity, and to get your kids excited to try new foods.

To register for these events, and see additional WIC Click & Learn Classes visit Texas WIC online at:  https://texaswic.org/online-classes

Pick up your WIC groceries in one easy stop at Grocery Services North, a PWIC grocery store chain with locations in Dallas, Waco, Tyler, and Longview.

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