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Veggie Platter For Thanksgiving
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Veggie Platter For Thanksgiving

Meal Planning, Recipes

Veggie Platter For Thanksgiving

Turn Your Vegetables Into A Festive Snack Board

Looking for something the entire family will love to make and eat this Thanksgiving? Try making a turkey veggie platter.

This festive snack is healthy and full of personality. It’s also a great way to get the whole family involved in the kitchen.

The great thing about this recipe is that you can make it with whatever you have on hand or love snacking on.

The fresh vegetables are arranged as the turkey’s feathers. The turkey’s face is made with the cut end of a bell pepper. Make his face with pieces of carrots and you can make eyes out of anything from olive pieces of tomato, capers or pickle pieces. The dip inside the bowl can be anything you love from homemade hummus to ranch or veggie dip.

Arrange your cut vegetables on the top half of the bell pepper. Make it as small or large as you wish. This is the perfect activity for the kiddos.

Here is a recipe for homemade yogurt dip you can fill your bell pepper with:

Ranch Yogurt Dip

1 cup of yogurt

3 tablespoons of mayonnaise

3 teaspoons of ranch seasoning mix

Mix everything into a bowl and combine. Refrigerate overnight.

If hummus is more what you had in mind, check out our recipe here.

shauna2023-11-07T21:26:24+00:00November 7th, 2023|Categories: Meal Planning, Recipes|Tags: Easy WIC inspired recipes, Fall Recipes, Kid Activities, Recipes Using WIC Foods, Thanksgiving recipes, wic approved foods, WIC fruit and vegetables|0 Comments

Halloween Stuffed Peppers

Use WIC approved foods to make these Halloween stuffed peppers!

Ingredients:

1 cup steamed rice

1 can black beans

½ can of corn

1 cup of diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)

½ cup minced cilantro

1 cup shredded cheese

4 large bell peppers

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees fahrenheit.

Mix the first 5 ingredients together in a large bowl, then mix in ¾ of the shredded cheese.

Use a small knife to cut the bell peppers like a jack-o-lantern and use a spoon to fill the bell peppers with the mixture. Set the filled peppers into a baking tray and top with the remaining shredded cheese. Bake for 25 minutes then let them cool for 5 minutes. Serve and enjoy!

Ashley2023-10-18T19:47:40+00:00October 18th, 2023|Categories: Meal Planning, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping|Tags: bellpeppers, Fall Recipes, halloween, jack o lantern, orange peppers, Recipes, stuffed peppers, WIC Inspired Recipes|0 Comments

Important Update

The Government is open. Texas WIC is operating as usual, and WIC benefits are being issued like they always have been. There have been no changes to the WIC program.

Since talk began of a government shutdown, some WIC clients may be confused about the status of the WIC program. A government shutdown was recently avoided, and WIC is operating as usual. Congress is still working to get the government funded past Nov. 17th. While we can’t speak for WIC, we don’t believe there will be any impact to the program in the near future.

Grocery Services North stores are helping customers redeem benefits as usual. We are open for business. We hope to see you soon.

shauna2023-10-06T19:38:45+00:00October 5th, 2023|Categories: Dallas, East Texas, Grocery Services North, Texas WIC|0 Comments

Halloween Deviled Eggs

Use WIC approved foods to make this fun Halloween recipe!

6 boiled eggs

1 avocado

Green & Purple or Red food coloring

Paprika, Salt & Pepper to taste

Boil 6 eggs. Crack the shell of each egg all around with a spoon, but don’t peel them! Add the boiled eggs into a bowl filled with water that covers all of the eggs, and add red or purple food coloring to the water. Let them sit in the fridge overnight to soak up the food coloring and give a spooky spider web effect. Peel the eggs and cut in half. Remove the yolk and add to a bowl along with a sliced avocado. Mix the yolk & avocado together and add green food coloring to enhance the color. Add a spoonful of the green mixture to each egg and top with paprika, salt & pepper.

Ashley2023-10-05T13:20:22+00:00October 4th, 2023|Categories: Meal Planning, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: Avocado, deviled eggs, Eggs, fall foods, halloween, Recipes, spooky eggs, WIC Inspired Recipes|0 Comments

Texas WIC Expanded Fruit and Vegetable Benefits Extended To Nov. 17th

Texas WIC has announced that the expanded fruit and vegetable benefits will be extended through Nov. 17th.

WIC clients are offered Cash Value Benefits through the WIC program. The extended benefits are:

Children get $26 each month
Pregnant, postpartum women get $47 each month
Breastfeeding WIC clients get $52 each month

According to Texas WIC, all clients who receive benefits on or before November 17 will get the higher amounts for the entire month of November.

“if you are pregnant and have two children (ages 1-5) receiving WIC, you will get $99 ($47 mom + $26 child + $26 child = $99) each month in October and November to buy fruit and vegetables,” according to the Texas WIC website. “If you already have benefits on your card for October and November contact your local WIC office for a time to update your benefits.”

If changes are not approved by congress, the fruit and vegetable cash value benefit amount will return to its original levels on Nov. 18th. The original benefit levels are $12 for pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women and $10 for children ages 1 to 5.

shauna2023-10-06T19:39:06+00:00October 3rd, 2023|Categories: Texas WIC, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|0 Comments

Peach Smoothie
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Peach Smoothie

Meal Planning, Recipes, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition

Peach Smoothie

Sprinkle cinnamon on top of this tasty peach smoothie to make it the perfect fall treat while we’re still experiencing summer temperatures. Gather up these WIC-approved foods to make this refreshing treat.

DELICIOUS PEACHY TREAT

1 cup vanilla yogurt

1 peach, sliced (or 1 cup frozen peaches)

1 banana

1 cup milk

1 cup ice

Cinnamon (optional)

Blend the first five ingredients. Pour into a cup and sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon.

Ashley2023-09-18T12:29:17+00:00September 14th, 2023|Categories: Meal Planning, Recipes, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: cinnamon, Easy WIC inspired recipes, fall smoothies, frozen treats, Milk, peach, peach smoothie, peaches, Recipes, smoothie, smoothies, sweet treats, WIC Inspired Recipes|0 Comments

Thai Pasta Salad
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Thai Pasta Salad

Meal Planning, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition

Thai Pasta Salad

Get ready to impress everyone with your cooking skills with this amazing Thai Pasta Salad! It’s bursting with colors and flavors that will make your taste buds explode. Not only is it super easy to make, but it’s also a great way to use up your WIC-foods in a delicious and nutritious way. Don’t wait any longer, give it a try tonight and surprise your family with a mouthwatering meal!

THAI PASTA SALAD

1 box of whole wheat pasta

1 cup diced red cabbage

1 cup diced cucumber

½ cup shredded carrots

⅓ cup diced green onion

Sauce:

½ cup peanut butter

1 tbsp honey

1 tsp apple cider vinegar

1 tbsp soy sauce

½ cup water

Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, drain and set aside to cool. While the pasta is cooking and cooling, chop your veggies and make the sauce. Combine the sauce ingredients in a bowl and whisk together until smooth. Add all of the pasta, veggies, and sauce together in a large bowl and toss together. This recipe makes about 6 servings.

Ashley2023-09-15T20:12:18+00:00September 4th, 2023|Categories: Meal Planning, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: easy recipes, pasta, peanut butter, peanut butter sauce, Recipes, thai pasta salad, Vegetables, wic approved foods, wic approved groceries, WIC Inspired Recipes|0 Comments

Summer Smoothie Series: Coffee Smoothie
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Summer Smoothie Series: Coffee Smoothie

Meal Planning, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Nutrition

Summer Smoothie Series: Coffee Smoothie

Delightful Summer Treat For Parents

Tired parents, listen up! Get ready to wake up and feel energized with this awesome coffee smoothie. Made with WIC ingredients + coffee, it’s the perfect way to recharge. Plus, it’s a refreshing treat you can enjoy any time of day. Just a heads up though, if you’re expecting or breastfeeding, remember to take it easy on the caffeine.

COFFEE SMOOTHIE

1 banana

⅓ cup peanut butter

1 cup of coffee, cooled to room temperature (you can use caffeinated or decaffeinated)

¾ cup of milk

1 ½ cups of ice

Blend & Enjoy!

Ashley2023-09-15T20:25:07+00:00September 2nd, 2023|Categories: Meal Planning, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Nutrition|Tags: banana, coffee, Meal Planning, peanut butter, Recipes, smoothie, smoothies, summer smoothie series, wic approved foods, WIC Inspired Recipes|0 Comments

Celebrating Labor Day Weekend: A Time To Recharge, Relax
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Celebrating Labor Day Weekend: A Time To Recharge, Relax

Meal Planning, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Nutrition

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)