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So far shauna has created 284 blog entries.

March 2023

Serving Up Good Luck

2023-03-15T18:05:25+00:00March 14th, 2023|Categories: Child Health, Recipes, Texas WIC|Tags: , , , , , , , |

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.

Visit a Grocery Services North 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

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March Is National Nutrition Month

2023-03-13T12:02:39+00:00March 7th, 2023|Categories: Child Health, Mom Health, Pregnancy, Texas WIC, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , , , |

Let’s Celebrate Healthy Choices

Calling all moms! National Nutrition Month is a time to celebrate and promote the importance of making healthy food choices and creating eating habits. With all the nutrition information floating around, it is easy to get overwhelmed.  

One of the best ways to make nutrition a focus in your life is by discovering easy ways to make the most out of mealtime while still getting essential nutrition for your family.  Here are a few tips from EatingRight.org, created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetic:

  1. Eat Breakfast Start your day with a healthy breakfast that includes lean protein, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. 
  2. Make Half Your Plate Fruits and Vegetables Fruits and veggies add color, flavor and texture plus vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber to your plate. 
  3. Watch Portion Sizes Use half your plate for fruits and vegetables and the other half for grains and lean protein foods. 
  4. Be Active Regular physical activity has many health benefits. Start by doing what exercise you can. Children and teens should get 60 or more minutes of physical activity per day, and adults at least two hours and 30 minutes per week.

For more information about nutrition, visit eatingright.org. Texas WIC is also a great way to learn healthy habits for you and your children.

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February 2023

A-B-Cs For First-Time Moms

2023-02-17T13:42:49+00:00February 17th, 2023|Categories: Child Health, Meal Planning, Mom Health, Pregnancy, Texas WIC, Uncategorized, WIC Food, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , |

Being a parent for the first time is both an incredibly exciting and nerve-wracking experience. New moms want to do everything they can to make sure your little bundle of joy stays healthy, happy, and safe. Here are a few A-B-Cs for first-time moms. Read on to learn just a few ABCs necessary for anyone getting ready to be a mommy for the first time!

Acknowledge that you’re scared, but be excited at the same time!

It’s normal to be nervous. Give yourself credit for taking this big step into motherhood. Plus, it never hurts to seek out expert advice from professionals like those at Texas WIC who specialize in infant nutrition and growth monitoring – they’ll help make sure you’re well informed while navigating through these exciting times!

Believe in yourself – you can do this!  Sometimes every new mom just has to know she can do it.  When in doubt, reach out to your doctor or Texas WIC for help. Texas WIC is a great resource for moms. It is a nutrition education program that assists moms until their child turns 5 years old.  If you would like to see if you qualify for Texas WIC, you can apply at TexasWIC.org/apply.

Connect with other moms, either virtually or in person. Every mom needs a support system. This is one great way to get a little extra helpful advice. Social media is also a great place to connect with other moms. Plus, you might make a few new friends at Texas WIC. 

FEW MORE ‘C’s FOR FIRST-TIME MOMS

  • Create a routine and stick to it as much as possible. Looking for more information about creating routines, check out these tips for newborn babies.
  • Cherish every moment – even the tough ones!

EASY WIC GROCERY SHOPPING

To make being a mom even easier, visit a Grocery Services North store for easy WIC grocery shopping. You can get all your WIC foods in one easy stop. Find a store near you here.

 

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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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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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