Now Open In Lubbock, Texas

Exciting News! Grocery Services North is NOW OPEN in Lubbock! 

We are thrilled to announce that Grocery Services North is officially OPEN in Lubbock, Texas making WIC shopping easier and faster than ever before!  Our new store is designed to take the hassle out of WIC grocery shopping.  Say goodbye to the hassle and hello to convenience!

Location:
You can find us at: 606 W. Loop 289, Ste 200, Lubbock, TX 79416

Hours:
We’re open Monday – Friday, from 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM. We can’t wait to meet you. Stop by today and say hi.

Why Choose Grocery Services North?
Shopping for WIC groceries just got a whole lot simpler with our fast, friendly, and bilingual service. Here’s why you’ll love shopping with us:

  • WIC-Approved Items: We stock a wide variety of WIC-approved foods, so you can get all the essentials you need, from baby formula, organic baby food, fresh produce to dairy and more!

  • Friendly, Bilingual Staff: Our dedicated team is here to guide you through every step of your WIC shopping experience. Need help checking your WIC balance or redeeming your benefits? We’ve got you covered, in both English and Spanish!

  • Fast & Simple Shopping: We know your time is valuable. Our store is designed to make your shopping experience quick, simple, and efficient. In and out, with everything you need!

 Come Visit Us Today!
We’re excited to serve you, Lubbock! Stop by and see how quick and convenient WIC shopping can be with Grocery Services North!

WIC, SNAP and Visa and Mastercard credit cards accepted.

See you soon!

2025-03-12T22:31:51+00:00March 11th, 2025|Categories: Grocery Services North|Tags: , , , , |0 Comments

Delicious, Nutritious, and Easy: Canned Hominy Recipes 

As a busy mom, it’s important to find nutritious, easy-to-make meals that your family will love. One great WIC-approved food to add to your shopping list is canned hominy.

Hominy is known for its versatility and ability to add both flavor and nutrition to a variety of dishes. Canned hominy is particularly convenient since it’s already cooked and ready to use, which makes meal prep a breeze. It’s high in fiber, iron, and other essential nutrients—making it a great choice for your family’s health. Plus, its mild, slightly nutty flavor makes it perfect for a variety of traditional dishes with a twist.

Let’s dive into a few simple, delicious recipes using canned hominy that you and your family will love, all while staying within your WIC food options.

Looking for a way to kick off your day with something nutritious and satisfying? This breakfast skillet featuring hominy is a delicious and hearty option that will keep everyone energized.

Hominy Breakfast Skillet

1 can of hominy, drained and rinsed

4 eggs

1/2 onion, chopped

1/2 bell pepper, chopped

1/2 cup of shredded cheese (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro (optional)

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a bit of oil.

Sauté the onions and bell peppers until softened, about 5 minutes.

Add the hominy and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing it to lightly brown and crisp up.

Crack the eggs directly into the skillet, scrambling them into the hominy and vegetables.

Once the eggs are cooked through, sprinkle the dish with shredded cheese and let it melt.

Season with salt, pepper, and fresh cilantro.

Serve hot for a filling breakfast.

Hominy and Bean Tacos

1 can of hominy, drained and rinsed

1 can of black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed

1 small onion, chopped

1 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp chili powder

Salt and pepper to taste

8 small corn tortillas

Fresh cilantro (optional)

Lime wedges (optional)

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of oil.

Sauté the onions until soft, about 3-4 minutes.

Add the hominy, beans, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, and cook for another 5-7 minutes, until heated through.

Warm the corn tortillas in a separate pan or microwave.

Spoon the hominy and bean mixture into the tortillas.

Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime, if desired.

Serve warm and enjoy!

Tip: These tacos can be customized with any toppings your family enjoys, such as salsa, avocado, or cheese.

A warm, comforting soup is perfect for any time of year, and this hominy soup is both filling and nutritious. It’s easy to make and a great way to incorporate hominy into a traditional dish.

Sopa de Hominy (Hominy Soup)

1 can of hominy, drained and rinsed

1/2 lb chicken (breast or thighs), cooked and shredded

1 medium onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 carrot, sliced

1 potato, diced

1 tomato, chopped

4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth

1 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

In a large pot, heat a little oil and sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant, about 3 minutes.

Add the carrots, potatoes, and tomato, and cook for another 5 minutes.

Add the chicken broth, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer.

Once the vegetables are tender, add the shredded chicken and hominy. Let it cook for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.

Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

This casserole combines the goodness of hominy with tangy salsa verde and melted cheese, creating a dish that’s perfect for dinner or a festive gathering. It’s simple, hearty, and full of flavor.

Hominy and Salsa Verde Casserole

1 can of hominy, drained and rinsed

2 cups of cooked shredded chicken

1 cup of salsa verde (store-bought or homemade)

1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite)

1/2 cup of sour cream (optional)

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large mixing bowl, combine the hominy, shredded chicken, salsa verde, and half of the shredded cheese. Mix well.

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread evenly.

Top with the remaining cheese.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes, then top with a dollop of sour cream and fresh cilantro before serving.

Whether you’re making tacos, soups, casseroles, or breakfast skillets, hominy adds a deliciously satisfying texture and boosts the nutritional value of any meal. So, the next time you’re at Grocery Services North, grab a few cans of hominy and start experimenting with these simple recipes. Your family will thank you for it!

2025-01-20T14:26:04+00:00January 20th, 2025|Categories: Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Nutrition|0 Comments

Delicious & Nutritious: Using Canned Pumpkin Puree for a Family-Friendly Pasta Sauce

If you have little ones, you’re always on the lookout for ways to make quick meals that are both delicious and nutritious. If you’re part of the WIC program, you know that making the most of the healthy foods available is key to feeding your family well. One ingredient that might not always be top of mind but is packed with nutrients and versatility is canned pumpkin puree. It’s full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Pumpkin Pasta Sauce is a great way to introduce a new flavor to your family’s meals while also sneaking in some extra veggies!

Why Pumpkin Puree?

Pumpkin puree isn’t just for pies and lattes! Canned pumpkin is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, both of which support immune health, vision, and skin health. It’s also rich in fiber, which is great for digestion and helps keep little tummies feeling full longer. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to use in a variety of dishes, and it’s something you can stock up on thanks to WIC benefits.

This Pumpkin Pasta Sauce recipe is simple to make and a perfect way to introduce your little ones to the flavors of autumn all year round. It’s creamy, slightly sweet, and savory, and it pairs perfectly with any type of pasta!

A Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce

1 can (15 oz) of canned pumpkin puree

1 cup of low-fat milk 

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but adds a lovely warmth)

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra creaminess and flavor)

8 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your favorite pasta shape)

Cook the pasta according to package directions.

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Stir in the canned pumpkin puree and let it heat up for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pumpkin will start to soften and blend with the garlic. Slowly add the milk, stirring continuously to combine it with the pumpkin. If the sauce feels too thick, you can add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Add the seasonings and stir everything together, and let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes.

Once your sauce is creamy and well-seasoned, add the drained pasta directly to the skillet. Toss the pasta in the sauce to coat it evenly. If you like your pasta saucier, add a bit more milk or pasta water to adjust the texture.

Plate the pasta, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve immediately. You can also add a side of veggies or a simple salad to complete the meal.

This Pumpkin Pasta Sauce is an excellent way to introduce your family to the wonders of pumpkin, and it’s an easy meal that you can feel good about serving.

Visit Grocery Services North for easy WIC grocery shopping, and pick up a few cans of pumpkin puree and give this simple recipe a try. Your kids will love it.

SPECIAL OFFER

✨️SPECIAL OFFER ✨
Buy 3 Twin Packs of Mom’s Organic Choice Apple Banana Pear baby food and 1 twin pack of Sweet Potato baby food and get a FREE baby spoon!  Only while supplies last! Ask when you visit today.

 

2025-01-07T14:04:44+00:00January 7th, 2025|Categories: Uncategorized|0 Comments

Fun Way To Use Chex™ For Holiday Snacking

The holidays are here, and it’s the perfect time to make some fun, tasty memories with your family! As a busy mom, you know how important it is to find quick, budget-friendly ways to keep the holiday spirit alive. 

Chex cereal, which is WIC-approved, is a cereal that is perfect for making a snack mix.

Ready for some holiday treat inspiration? Here is a recipe from BettyCrocker.com:

Slow Cooker Chex™ Mix

3 cups Corn Chex™ cereal

3 cups Rice Chex™ cereal

2 cups Wheat Chex™ cereal

2 cups bite-size pretzels

6 tablespoons melted butter

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 1/2 teaspoons seasoned salt

3/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

 In oval 5- to 6-quart slow cooker, stir together cereals and pretzels.

 In small bowl, mix melted butter, Worcestershire sauce and spices with whisk until well combined. Pour over cereal mixture; stir until evenly coated.

Cook uncovered on High heat setting 2 hours, stirring every 20 minutes.

 Spread cereal mixture on ungreased cookie sheet or sheet of waxed paper. Cool 3 to 5 minutes before serving.

Holiday Treat: Pumpkin Spice Latte For Mom

Making a canned pumpkin latte at home is easy, and it’s a perfect way to enjoy a cozy, fall-inspired drink without having to go to a café. Here’s a simple recipe to make your own pumpkin latte using canned pumpkin:

PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE

1/4 cup canned pumpkin puree

1 tablespoon sugar (or sweetener of choice), or less depending on your sugar preference

1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves)

1 cup milk (or non-dairy milk of choice)

1/2 cup brewed coffee or 1 shot of espresso

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Whipped cream (optional, for topping)

Make the Pumpkin Spice Mixture:

In a small saucepan, combine the canned pumpkin puree, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture is warm and smooth. This will help bring out the flavors of the pumpkin and spices.

Prepare the Milk:

In a separate small saucepan, heat the milk (or non-dairy milk) over medium heat until warm but not boiling. You can also froth the milk using a milk frother for a creamier texture.

Brew the Coffee:

Brew your coffee or make an espresso shot. Pour the hot coffee into a mug.

Combine the Pumpkin and Milk:

Once the milk is warm, whisk it into the pumpkin mixture until it’s smooth and well combined.

Assemble the Latte:

Pour the pumpkin milk mixture into the mug with your brewed coffee or espresso. Stir to combine.Top your pumpkin latte with whipped cream, a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon.

Planning Thanksgiving Recipes: How to Make Your Holiday More Fun and Less Stressful

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and at Grocery Services North, we’re here to help you create a memorable day filled with delicious food, laughter, and fun moments with your loved ones. The key to enjoying the holiday is all in the planning—when you plan ahead, you can minimize stress and focus on having fun. Here are some tips to help you prepare for a stress-free and enjoyable Thanksgiving.

Start with a Plan

The most important part of Thanksgiving prep is planning ahead. From your menu to your shopping list to prepping dishes in advance, the more you plan, the smoother your day will go. And remember: simple dishes often work best.

1. Plan Your Menu:
Before you head to the store, take some time to plan out your Thanksgiving menu. Think about your must-have dishes, but keep it manageable—there’s no need to overwhelm yourself with complicated recipes or too many ingredients.

2. Get Your Shopping Done Early:
Avoid last-minute store runs by doing your shopping early in the week. Grocery Services North is a great place to stock up on WIC-approved foods – including fresh produce, beans, dairy, and more – all can be used for your Thanksgiving Day recipes. Check out our blog post for special Thanksgiving Week hours so you can plan your trip accordingly.

3. Use Your WIC Benefits:
If you’re shopping with WIC benefits, take advantage of your fruit and vegetable allowance to pick up ingredients for your Thanksgiving sides. Some great options include potatoes, onions, carrots, frozen vegetables, and even fruit for desserts. Beans are another WIC-approved food that make a great side dish, and cheese can add an extra layer of flavor to vegetables like broccoli. Need inspiration? Check out our recipe for  Broccoli and Cheese or try our  Stuffing Recipe for a classic side dish. You also can’t miss this vegetable platter that looks like a Turkey.

4. Keep It Simple
You don’t need to make a 10-course meal to have a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner. Stick to simple, familiar dishes that everyone will love. Make a list—either on your phone or the good old-fashioned way with pen and paper—to help you stay organized and ensure you don’t forget anything.

Recipe Inspiration for a Healthy, Simple Feast

If you’re looking for some healthy and easy-to-make recipes, check out these great websites that offer simple ideas using WIC-approved foods:

Texas WIC: Find healthy recipes like Apple Crisp, Sweet Potato Balls, Citrus Glazed Carrots, and Carrot Bread.
Cooking Matters: From Banana Pudding to Baked Apples, this site is full of nutritious and family-friendly recipes.
USDA: This site offers a wide variety of Thanksgiving recipes, including ideas for leftovers!

Simple Alternatives for the Turkey

Does the idea of cooking a large turkey overwhelm you? You don’t have to roast a whole bird to have a successful Thanksgiving meal. Consider making a smaller turkey breast or tenderloin, which are easier to cook and typically cost less. If you prefer, you could even skip the turkey altogether and make a different meal your family loves.

If you do decide to roast a turkey, check out the  USDA’s Turkey Cooking Tips  to make sure your bird turns out perfectly.

Enjoy the Day, Not Just the Meal

Thanksgiving is about more than just the food—it’s about spending quality time with the people you love. After your meal, take a walk outside or play a game with the kids. It’s a great way to burn off those extra calories and create lasting memories.

At Grocery Services North, we wish you a happy, healthy, and safe Thanksgiving. Our stores will be open regular hours on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, and we accept SNAP. Find your nearest location. We can’t wait to help you make this holiday the best one yet!

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Grocery Services North!

Add WIC-Approved Pumpkin Puree, Cranberries To Your Menu This Season

Shop Seasoning Favorite, WIC Foods at Grocery Services North

Grocery Services North stores are now offering seasonal favorites perfect for the holiday season: canned pumpkin puree and fresh cranberries.

As a busy mom, the holiday season can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to balance meals for the family with all the other Thanksgiving preparations. But did you know that two ingredients—fresh cranberries and canned pumpkin puree—can make your holiday dishes healthier and easier to prepare? Not only are they packed with nutrients, but they’re also versatile and perfect for adding a little extra nutrition to your holiday meals.

Here’s why these two WIC-approved foods should be on your Thanksgiving shopping list, plus easy and delicious ways to include them in your meals.

Cranberries are a small but mighty fruit. They’re loaded with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, which help boost your immune system—something every mom can appreciate, especially with all the extra holiday hustle. Cranberries are also known for supporting heart health, and their tart, tangy flavor adds a fresh pop to your meals. Best of all, they’re super easy to cook with and make your dishes look festive with their bright red color.

Canned Pumpkin Puree (be sure it’s 100% pumpkin, not the sweetened pie filling) is another great choice. It’s packed with vitamin A for eye health, potassium for strong muscles, and fiber to keep everyone feeling full. Pumpkin is also low in calories, making it a great option if you’re looking for nutritious, filling meals without the extra sugar and fat. Plus, it’s smooth, creamy, and super easy to use in so many recipes— muffins, smoothies, mixed with pasta and more!

Now, let’s dive into some simple and healthy ways to use cranberries and pumpkin puree this holiday season that everyone in the family will love.

PUMPKIN CRANBERRY BREAD

4 eggs

1 cup vegetable oil

1 15 ounce can of pumpkin puree

1/2 cup orange juice or water

3 cups of sugar

3 cups of flour

1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice

1 1/2 tsp salt

2 tsp baking soda

1 to 1 1/2 cups cranberries, fresh

Spray 2 9×5 loaf pans with cooking spray. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl, combine the sugar, eggs and oil. Mix. Then add in the pumpkin puree and mix.  Add the orange juice or water and mix. In another bowl, combine the flour, pumpkin pie spice, salt and baking soda. Mix the ingredients from both bowls together until just moistened. Fold in cranberries. Pour batter into prepared loaf pans. Bake for about an hour to an hour and 15 minutes or until done, when toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans.

CRANBERRY BARS WITH OAT CRUMBLE

For the crumble:

1 1/2 cup of flour

1 1/2 cup rolled oats, not quick oats

2/3 cup coconut sugar or sugar

1 1/2 sticks of butter, melted

1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

1 tablespoon flaxseed, ground

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, ground

For the Cranberry topping:

1 12 oz bag of fresh cranberries

4 tablespoons lemon juice, fresh

1 tablespoon lemon zest

1/2 cup granulated sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix together the following ingredients until combined: Melted butter, flour, rolled oats, 2/3 cup of the sugar, walnuts, flaxseed, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Press into an 8×8 baking pan and bake for 15 minutes.

In a saucepan, add the cranberries, juice, zest and 1/2 cup of sugar. Cook on medium heat. Once the cranberries have cooked down, add a little bit of water and cook until it looks like cranberry sauce.  Pour this on top of the cooked crumble that is in the 8×8 pan. Bake the bars for 20 more minutes. Let rest until cooled before cutting. Enjoy.

 

CLASSIC CRANBERRY SAUCE

Some might say that the cranberry sauce is one of the most popular sides on Thanksgiving.  It can be made even more flavorful and nutritious with the addition of spices or other fruits. This simple recipe takes advantage of the natural tartness of cranberries and infuses them with a hint of cinnamon and orange zest.

12 oz fresh cranberries

1/2 cup orange juice

1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (optional)

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp grated orange zest

Pinch of sea salt

In a saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, honey, cinnamon, and orange zest. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, and cook until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens (about 10-12 minutes). Season with a pinch of sea salt to balance the flavors. Cool and serve alongside turkey or as a topping for roasted vegetables.

Visit a Grocery Services North store today for easy WIC grocery shopping. Pick up fresh cranberries, pumpkin puree and other ingredients used in these recipes.

Now In Stores

Visit Today To Pick Up Your WIC-Approved Baby Formula

Enfamil Gentlease and Enfamil Reguline are now at stores, while supplies last. Grocery Services North stores offers a wide variety of WIC-approved baby formulas. Visit a store today to pick up the baby formula your baby needs.

While you are there, our bilingual clerks can you shop for everything on your WIC grocery list.  Visit today to pick up all your WIC foods in one easy stop.  Find a store near you at groceryservicesnorth.com/locations