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Child Health

June 2025

Cereal Isn’t Just For Breakfast

2025-06-23T13:29:51+00:00June 23rd, 2025|Categories: Child Health, Recipes, WIC Food|Tags: , , , , , , , , |

Cereal = Smart Snack Time!

Cereals like Cheerios, Multigrain Cheerios, and Kix meet WIC standards—so you know they’re wholesome for kids. They’re made with whole grains, packed with fiber, and stay under sugar limits, making them a great guilt‑free choice for between‑meal munching. 

Fiber + Whole Grains = Full Tummies

  • Cheerios: Made with 100% whole‑grain oats (34 g per serving) plus 1.5 g soluble fiber—heart‑healthy and filling!
  • Multigrain Cheerios: Each serving delivers 28 g whole grain and 3 g fiber, and is low‑fat and cholesterol‑free—a snack that supports heart health.
  • Kix: Whole‑grain corn puffs with about 21 g whole grain per serving, 3 g fiber, calcium, vitamin D, and iron—basic, crunchy goodness.

Nutrients That Matter

Cereals aren’t just crunchy—they’re nutrient powerhouses: iron, B‑vitamins, vitamin D, calcium—and all while being low in fat and cholesterol. They support healthy growth, strong bones, and steady energy.

Snack Hacks That Are Pure Genius

  • Sprinkle into yogurt for a creamy‑crunch combo
  • Pack handfuls in zip‑bags for poolside or car travel
  • Eat by the handful — simple, satisfying, and easy!

We carry a large selection of WIC‑approved cereals that are perfect any time of day, and make the perfect snack. Kix, Cheerios, and Multigrain Cheerios are great staples to keep on hand for healthy breakfasts or easy snack creations.

6 Simple Summer Recipes Kids Will Love

 No‑Bake Peanut‑Butter Cheerios Bars

Quick, portable, and great for picnics—no oven needed! 

Ingredients: 3 cups plain Cheerios, ½ cup peanut butter, ½ cup honey
Warm peanut butter + honey, stir in Cheerios, press into a pan, chill until firm. Cut into bars.

Cheerios Trail Mix Cups

Ingredients: 2 cups Cheerios or Multigrain Cheerios, ⅓ cup raisins, ⅓ cup pretzels, ½ cup mixed nuts or seeds (if serving to bigger kids).
Combine and store in small containers.Easy to portion and healthy—just mix pantry items!

Frozen Yogurt–Cereal Pops

Ingredients: 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, ½ cup chopped berries, ½ cup crushed Kix or Multigrain Cheerios, honey to taste
 Stir yogurt + berries + honey, layer with cereal in popsicle molds, freeze 3+ hours.
 Cool and refreshing!

Kix–Fruit Pancake Cones

Ingredients: Pancake batter, a handful of Kix, sliced fruit, whipped cream or yogurt
Make thin pancakes, shape into cones, fill with fruit + yogurt + Kix. A playful, portable twist on breakfast!

Banana‑Cheerio Frozen Bites

Ingredients: 1 banana, ½ cup yogurt melts, 1 cup Cheerios
Slice banana, roll each in yogurt melts then Cheerios, freeze.  Ice‑cream vibes, minimal prep—it’s a kid favorite!

Multigrain Raspberry‑Peach Pops

Ingredients: 1 cup raspberries, ⅔ cup peaches, 1 1/3 yogurt, 5 Tbsp honey, ⅔ cup crushed Multigrain Cheerios
Puree fruit, mix with yogurt + honey, stir in cereal, fill molds, freeze 3‑4 hrs.
 Colorful, fruity and crunchy! Perfect for hot days. 

Summer Snacking Tips

⁠• Prep ahead on Sunday—bars, pops, cones keep well for quick grab‑and‑go snacks.
 ⁠• Kid‑friendly assembly—kids can help stir, layer, or freeze.
 ⁠• On the go—wrap bars or freeze pops in lunchboxes for cooling snacks.

Find Them at Grocery Services North

We stock all WIC‑approved cereals you need—grab Kix, Cheerios, or Multigrain Cheerios are just a few you can use to start making these recipes today. Store shelves are ready for your summer plans!

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Creative and Nutritious Recipes Using Baby Food for Babies, Kids

2025-06-23T13:30:08+00:00June 17th, 2025|Categories: Baby Food, Child Health, Recipes|Tags: , |

From Parfaits to Pancakes, Your Little One Will Love These

Feeding little ones can be a challenge, especially when you’re short on time or dealing with picky eaters. Luckily, baby food isn’t just for spoon-feeding straight from the container. With a little creativity, those baby food jars can become key ingredients in tasty, nutritious meals your baby or toddler will love. Here are some simple and wholesome recipes using common baby food flavors.

Pick up your organic baby food at Grocery Services North today to start making these fun recipes:

Banana Oatmeal Pancakes (Perfect for Baby-Led Weaning)

1 jar Banana baby food

1/2 cup Oatmeal Cereal

1 egg

Dash of cinnamon (optional)

Mix all ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and drop spoonfuls of the batter. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden. Let cool slightly before serving. These make great finger foods!

Fruity Yogurt Parfait (Toddler Snack or Dessert)

1 jar Apple Banana Pear baby food

1 jar Mixed Berry baby food

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

In a small cup, layer yogurt, apple banana pear puree, and berry puree. Top with crushed cereal for texture. Serve chilled with a toddler spoon.

Turkey Veggie Pasta Sauce (Family-Friendly Meal)

1 jar Turkey baby food

1 jar Mixed Vegetables baby food

1/4 cup pasta water

Small (or cut up) cooked pasta

Combine baby food jars and broth in a saucepan. Heat until warmed through and slightly thickened. Toss with cooked pasta and serve.

Baby Food Muffins (Soft, Toddler-Friendly & Freezer-Friendly)

1 cup Multigrain Infant Cereal or Organic Oatmeal Cereal

1 cup whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)

1 jar (4 oz) Banana baby food (or Apple, Apple Banana Pear, or Pear)

1 jar (4 oz) Apple Mango or Mixed Berry baby food

1 egg

1/4 cup milk (or formula)

2 tbsp olive oil or melted coconut oil

1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a mini muffin tin or line with paper liners. In a large bowl, whisk together the cereal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon. In another bowl, mix together the baby food purees, egg, milk, oil, and vanilla. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir just until combined (do not overmix). Spoon batter into mini muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Let cool before serving. Store in the fridge for 3–4 days or freeze for later.

With these easy and delicious ideas, you can turn baby food jars into family-friendly meals and snacks. Whether you’re cooking for a baby, toddler, or just need a quick kid-approved dish, these recipes help reduce food waste and expand your little one’s palate.

Pick up organic baby food at any Grocery Services North store today.

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October 2024

It’s PUMPKIN season!

2024-10-14T18:21:24+00:00October 10th, 2024|Categories: Baby Food, Child Health, Grocery Services North, Meal Planning, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , , , , , |

Grocery Services North Now Carrying Canned Pumpkin Puree

That’s why Grocery Services North stores are now carrying canned pumpkin. It’s arriving in stores now. Pick it up with your WIC fruits and vegetables benefit.

It’s a great choice for adding fiber, nutrition and flavor to your family recipes including pancakes, muffins and smoothies. Spoon a little into your prepared oatmeal, and toddler’s also love pumpkin puree on its own.

 Here are a few recipes you will enjoy using canned pumpkin:

PUMPKIN MUFFINS

3 eggs

¼ cup peanut butter

1/4 cup maple syrup (or use a substitute of brown sugar by mixing a ¼ cup brown sugar and ¼ cup water)

½ cup pumpkin puree

3 tablespoons of vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

¼ cup flour

2 teaspoons cinnamon

½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

¼ teaspoon baking soda

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease mini muffin pan with non-stick spray. Mix all of your ingredients in a bowl until thoroughly combined. Add mix to pan and bake for about 15 minutes or until done.

PUMPKIN SMOOTHIE

1/3 cup of pumpkin puree

1 banana

¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1 cup milk

¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon of brown sugar – this is optional

Add  all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Serve cold.

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August 2023

Cooking Up Memories: Getting Young Kids Involved in the Kitchen

2023-08-30T18:59:35+00:00August 21st, 2023|Categories: Child Health, Kid Activities, Meal Planning, Recipes, Uncategorized|Tags: , , , , , |

The kitchen can be a fun place for kids and parents to spend time together. Parents can help foster a positive relationship between their children and food by letting them help in the kitchen. Kids ages 1 to 5 are curious, eager to learn and want to spend time together. Here’s a guide on how to get your little ones engaged and having fun in the kitchen.

Safety First

Before getting in the kitchen together, prioritize safety. Clear the cooking area of any hazards, like sharp objects or hot surfaces. Use kid-friendly utensils with blunt edges, and make sure to supervise closely during all kitchen activities.

Create a Kid-Friendly Space

Set up a dedicated area within the kitchen where your little chef can comfortably work alongside you. A step stool (depending on age) can make reaching the counter easier or using the kitchen table, allowing them to feel more involved in the cooking process.

Easy Tasks

Let them get involved in washing vegetables, tearing lettuce, or stirring ingredients. Praise their efforts and celebrate their accomplishments to boost their confidence.

Engage the Senses

Cooking is a sensory experience. Encourage your child to touch, smell, and even taste different ingredients. Allow them to explore the textures of flour, the aroma of herbs, and the vibrant colors of fruits and vegetables.

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June 2023

NEW WIC CEREAL OPTION

2023-06-27T16:41:11+00:00June 22nd, 2023|Categories: Child Health, Mom Health, Pregnancy, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , , , |

Now Offering Avelina Instant Oatmeal

WIC clients can redeem their cereal benefits for Avelina Instant Oatmeal. This new Grocery Services North product is an easy and nutritious way to start a morning. This WIC-approved option for oats is redeemed in the cereal category, not the whole grains category, which means you can redeem your cereal benefits for even more healthy oatmeal. 

Breakfast cereal doesn’t have to be served up cold. Instant oatmeal is the perfect way to get a nice warm meal to start the day.

That’s why we’re excited to introduce you to the newest addition to the WIC cereal option, this delicious instant oatmeal. This delicious and convenient breakfast option is packed with fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals.

One of the best things about Avelina Instant Oatmeal is that it’s incredibly easy to prepare. Simply add hot water or microwave it for a minute, stir, and enjoy. This makes it the perfect breakfast option for busy mornings, when you don’t have time to cook something on the stove. 

Visit a Grocery Services North to redeem your WIC benefits for Avelina Instant Oatmeal today.  Find a Grocery Services North store near you on our locations page.

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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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