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September 2022

Let’s celebrate whole grains! 

2022-09-15T17:44:21+00:00September 15th, 2022|Categories: Child Health, Meal Planning, Mom Health, Pregnancy, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , , , |

September is Whole Grains Month! 

Whole grains are an important part of a healthy diet. Texas WIC food packages also include whole grains, including brown rice, whole wheat bread and tortillas, corn tortillas, oatmeal and whole-wheat pasta. 

Health experts recommend including whole grains in our diets because they can help “reduce risks of heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and obesity,” according to the Oldways Whole Grains Council.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that at least half of all the grains you eat are whole grains. If you’re like most people, you’re not getting enough whole grains — so see how to make whole grains a part of your healthy diet.

Grains can be either whole or refined. Whole grains have the entire grain kernel, and include whole-wheat flour, oatmeal and brown rice to name a few. Refined grains remove fiber, iron and some vitamins. Examples include white flour, bread and rice. 

In honor of whole grains month, here is a recipe to try:

WIC Whole Grains: Add whole grains to your Tuna Patties

Whole-Grain Tuna Rice Cakes

1 can tuna, undrained

2 cups cooked rice

1/4 cup finely chopped celery

1 Tbsp finely chopped onion

1 slice of whole wheat bread, shredded or crumbled

Dash or two of ground black pepper

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the tuna with its liquid, rice, celery, onion, bread and pepper. Stir in the eggs and mix well. Form mixture into 4 patties using about ¼ cup mix for each. Heat oil in a pan over medium high heat. Add patties and brown on each side. Enjoy!

Get all your WIC foods at Grocery Services North in one easy stop. Grocery Services North is a chain of grocery stores that caters to WIC clients. There are 11 locations in Dallas, Plano, Waco, Tyler and Longview. Visit today!

 

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August 2022

Texas WIC Offering Free Online Story Time, Classes

2022-08-17T16:44:36+00:00August 15th, 2022|Categories: Child Health, Kid Activities, Texas WIC|Tags: , , |

Texas WIC is offering a fun online story time for kids Tuesday, Aug. 16th from 9:30 am to 10 AM. 

Kids will learn basic counting and color skills, how fruits and vegetables grow in a garden and how fun it is to try new foods. The story time is all part of Texas WIC’s free online classes for parents and kids. You can watch the program on a mobile device or computer. To register, visit the link here.

There are more FREE WIC classes coming up.

Check these out: 

Live Discussion on breastfeeding, pumping and bottle feeding. This class will be held from 3 to 4 PM, August 16.  Register here. 

Live Discussion on Introducing your Baby to Foods. This class will be offered from 11 AM to noon August. 17th. Register here.

Live Discussion and Activity on Cool Drinks for Kids. This class will be held online from 11 AM to noon on August 18th. Register here

Texas WIC is a free nutritional education program for qualifying mothers and their children up to age 5. If you would like to apply, visit TexasWIC.org/apply.

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Food From Texas WIC: Little Hands, Little Bites

2022-08-26T20:59:38+00:00August 2nd, 2022|Categories: Baby Food, Baby Formula, Child Health, Meal Planning, Texas WIC, WIC Food, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , , |

Starting The Baby Food Journey

Babies grow up fast. Each month they hit new milestones and make even more progress toward becoming little toddlers. Food from Texas WIC can help them grow healthy and strong. 

One of the biggest milestones is graduating from bottles to bites. After months of breastfeeding and bottles, your little one might be ready to transition to table food.

It may seem daunting, but this can be a really exciting time for parents and kids to start exploring the world of food. 

There are so many flavors, textures and food adventures around the corner. As stressful as it may seem, this stage can be a lot of fun. Don’t worry if it seems you have gotten into a food fight with your toddler. It’s all part of the learning process. Here are a few tips to help you navigate this next phase. 

READY, SET GO – FIRST BITES

Are you wondering if your baby is ready to try table food? Make sure to discuss any feeding transitions with your Texas WIC nutritionist or doctors before making this big change.

In general, Texas WIC experts set out these first year milestones to give you a general idea when babies are ready for milestones, but every baby is different. 

Once you get the OK from a professional, let the fun begin. Wondering where to start? Popular first food choices are baby cereal, apple sauce, mashed bananas or even avocados. Make sure the food is soft and has a “paste” like consistency. 

In the beginning it is best to stick to introducing only one new food at a time. This makes it easier to know which foods your baby may have had trouble tolerating. Whether you are starting with baby cereal or baby food, try introducing one flavor at a time. 

Remember, babies have tine appetites and only require a few teaspoons at a time, WIC experts recommend.

HITTING SPEED BUMPS 

If your baby doesn’t like a certain food at first, try, try, try again. It isn’t uncommon for a little one not to like a food when it is first introduced, but to come around to it later. 

Once you know your baby tolerates certain foods, different flavors can be mixed together to make bites a little more interesting. A few good combinations are sweet potatoes and peas, apples and bananas or scrambled eggs.

CAUTION AHEAD

Be on the lookout for food allergies, which can occur between two minutes to hours of feedings, according to Texas WIC. Some of the most common to cause reactions, but experts warn any foods can cause allergies: dairy, eggs, wheat, soy, nuts, fish and shellfish. 

Hives, red skin and face swelling are a few signs of reactions, but Texas WIC offers even more details about food allergies online.  If your baby is having several signs of reaction or is having trouble breathing, call 911, according to Texas WIC. 

Also, do not give babies foods that may cause them to choke like nuts or grapes.

FOOD FROM TEXAS WIC CAN HELP

Texas WIC has resources to make feeding your baby easier. Everything from counseling to online classes can help along the way. Be sure to reach out if you have questions. Be sure to talk to a professional about any concerns or questions about your specific situation and baby. 

Get all your WIC groceries in one easy stop at Grocery Services North in Dallas, Waco, Tyler, and Longview. Locations are near WIC offices. Find a location near you today. 

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July 2022

WIC Inspired Recipes – Ratatouille

2022-08-26T21:01:06+00:00July 18th, 2022|Categories: Child Health, Meal Planning, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping|Tags: , , , , , , , , |

Cuddle up with the family and watch the Disney movie Ratatouille while having some ratatouille for dinner! This recipe is an easy comfort food that includes lots of veggies and goes perfect with garlic bread.

Ratatouille

4 tbsp olive oil 

4 garlic cloves (minced)

1/2 small onion (chopped)

1/3 cup shredded carrots

14 oz can crushed tomatoes

1/4 cup fresh basil

1/4 cup fresh parsley

1 small eggplant (thinly sliced, about ⅛ inch thick)

1 zucchini (thinly sliced, about ⅛ inch thick)

1 yellow squash (thinly sliced, about ⅛ inch thick)

3 Roma tomatoes (thinly sliced, about ⅛ inch thick)

1 tsp dried basil

1/2 tsp dried parsley

salt (to taste)

black pepper (to taste)

Parmesan cheese (shredded) 

Try to use the freshest produce possible, not those tomatoes that look like you should use them up before they go bad. You want the ratatouille to have a nice, even texture and the vegetables are easier to slice when they are fresh. Slice the eggplant, zucchini, yellow squash & tomatoes as evenly as possible to ensure they cook evenly in the oven.

Preheat the oven to 375F. In a large nonstick pan, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium high heat. Add in the onion, garlic, and carrot and cook about 5 – 7 minutes until tender.

Next, add in the crushed tomatoes and seasonings, simmer for 15 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Once the sauce has thickened, pour into a 2 quart baking dish.

Arrange the sliced vegetables in a circular pattern standing upright in the dish over the sauce. Brush with the remaining olive oil. 

Cover and bake for 40 minutes, then uncover and bake until vegetables are tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Sprinkle shredded parmesan cheese evenly on top and serve immediately. 

Tasty Tip: Garlic bread is a perfect addition to this recipe!

WIC INSPIRED RECIPE FROM GROCERY SERVICES NORTH

Get all your WIC groceries in one easy stop at any Grocery Services North location in Dallas, Waco, Tyler, and Longview. Bilingual clerks personally help you get all your WIC foods without all the hassle.

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

 

 

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WIC Income Requirements

2022-09-06T16:59:52+00:00July 7th, 2022|Categories: Child Health, Dallas, Mom Health, Pregnancy, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , , , , , |

Pregnant & Need Help?

Are you pregnant and need help with your pregnancy, but not sure where to start? Start with Texas WIC.

The program is open to pregnant women that are Texas residents. The free program can begin as soon as you learn that you are expecting a baby. To qualify, expecting Texas mothers must meet the following WIC income requirements, which are provided by Texas WIC.

WIC INCOME REQUIREMENTS

Households with the following gross yearly income per member: WIC pregnancy help

  • 1 household member can qualify making up to $25,142 gross yearly income per household;
  • 2 household members up to $33,874 gross yearly income;
  • 3 household members up to $42,606 gross yearly income;
  • 4 household members up to $51,338 gross yearly income;
  • 5 household members up to $60,070 gross yearly income and
  • 6 household members up to $68,802 gross yearly income

Texas WIC can help you give your baby a healthy start with education, counseling and nutritional foods. The program provides FREE resources to help you along your pregnancy, including nutrition counseling and FREE healthy food packages to help ensure you and your baby have a healthy pregnancy. To see if you qualify for the program, apply online at texaswic.com/apply.

Visit our blog, to get more information about Texas WIC.

Grocery Services North is a chain of grocery stores near WIC clinics that caters to WIC clients. There are 11 locations in Dallas, Waco, Tyler, and Longview to help make WIC grocery shopping easy. Customers can check their WIC balance before shopping and can get personal shopping assistance from bilingual clerks that are familiar with the WIC program.

Find a location near you.

GROCERY SERVICES NORTH IS A SERVICE PROVIDER FOR THE WIC PROGRAM, NOT A PART OF THE WIC PROGRAM

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June 2022

WIC Kids: Fun Summertime Activity

2022-08-26T04:46:22+00:00June 13th, 2022|Categories: Baby Food, Child Health, Kid Activities, Meal Planning, Recipes, Texas WIC, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , , , , |

Check Off  Mealtime, Playtime At Same Time! 

Who said you couldn’t play with your food? Getting kids into the kitchen is a great activity to get their creative juices flowing. It’s also a great way to keep them interested in eating healthy, WIC foods. 

Healthy WIC foods don’t have to be boring. In fact, you and the kids can turn their little plates into works of art all with some of your favorite WIC ingredients. Gather up some of your favorite WIC foods (oatmeal, fruits, vegetables and tuna fish) for these fun ideas that will get your kiddos excited to help out in the kitchen.

WIC FOR KIDS: OATMEAL

Oatmeal is a super healthy WIC food. It’s also a super healthy snack. For the first snack of the day. Let your kids help “decorate” a bowl of oatmeal like their pets or animals. These fruits make great faces: sliced bananas, berries of all kinds, apple pieces cut into fun shapes and maybe even a little peanut butter to hold pieces together.  What little one wouldn’t love eating this yummy, healthy creation once they are done. 

Oatmeal is a great WIC food because it’s full of fiber, iron and other vitamins and minerals like zinc.

WIC FOR KIDS: FRUIT CRITTERS

Getting your kids to eat more fruit is easy when you make fruit critters. Slice up some of your favorite fruits and let your toddlers “color” their plate by turning the fruit into fun animals. You can get them started by making a few of your own. It’s also fun to cut fruit into fun shapes using kid-friendly cookie cutters.  

WIC FOR KIDS: VEGGIE PALS

Having a hard time getting enough vegetables into your tot’s stomach? Serve them a plate of green peas that look like a friendly frog.  

WIC FOR KIDS: TUNA FISHY

First, make a bowl of tuna fish, using this great Texas WIC recipe. Then let the little ones help by spreading it on a piece of toasted whole wheat bread. Place another piece of whole wheat bread on top. Let the kids decorate the sandwich into fruit to make it look like a fish. See photo above. Orange quarters, banana slices and berries can all be used to make fun fish faces and fins. Looking for a little more creative inspiration? Check out this recipe idea from Texas WIC.

 Texas WIC is an advocate of getting kids in the kitchen to help in “age-appropriate ways,” and these recipes are a great way to get them involved. For more tips from including kids in the kitchen, check out these tips online.

RENEW YOUR WIC BENEFITS AND REDEEM THEM IN THE SAME TRIP

Next time you visit a WIC clinic to renew your WIC benefits, visit a nearby Grocery Services North store to get all your WIC foods in one easy stop. Grocery Services North locations are located near WIC offices to make it super convenient for clients to get everything they need. 

There are locations throughout Dallas, Waco, Tyler, and Longview areas. Visit online to find a store near you.

Visit our blog for more recipes using WIC foods. 

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April 2022

Benefits Of Shopping WIC at Grocery Services North

2022-08-26T02:47:11+00:00April 27th, 2022|Categories: Baby Food, Baby Formula, Child Health, Grocery Services North, Texas WIC, WIC Grocery Shopping|Tags: , , , |

Do you find that shopping for WIC products seems frustrating?  Get all your WIC-approved groceries at Grocery Services North.

Shopping WIC at Grocery Services North is easier and faster than what you are probably used to at bigger stores. Our primary focus is WIC clients, so customers get the personalized service and attention they deserve. 

Stop wasting time and find out how easy WIC grocery shopping can be.

6 Benefits Of WIC Shopping At Grocery Services North

Friendly, Bilingual Staff

Our staff caters to WIC clients. They are familiar with the WIC program and can help answer your questions. They are bilingual – speaking both English and Spanish – for even added ease to your shopping experience. Plus, some of our staff have even been WIC clients. Because Grocery Services North caters to WIC clients, you are in a no-judgment zone.

Everything In The Store is WIC Approved

WIC clients won’t have to waste time searching for WIC-approved items. Everything is WIC approved. Plus, because we focus on WIC groceries, customers don’t waste any time at checkout with items not ringing up as a WIC item. We know our WIC items are WIC approved.  

Easy, Fast Shopping Format WIC Shopping

Grocery Services North locations are conveniently close to WIC clinics. Once you walk in you will discover an easy, fast shopping format geared specifically to WIC shoppers. You don’t have to search aisles. Just walk up to our counter, insert your WIC EBT card and our staff will walk you through the rest. You will have all your WIC groceries ready to go in minutes. 

We Know WIC

Because we cater to WIC customers, we are very familiar with the WIC program. Our staff can help answer any questions you may have, and Grocery Services North has contacts with WIC staff in case there is a specific need that arises. We are here to help.

Personal Shopping Help

You aren’t shopping alone at Grocery Services North. You get personalized attention from the moment you walk in the door. You won’t feel overwhelmed with getting your WIC groceries. Our staff gathers all the WIC items for you as you select them and rings them up. The process is easy and fast.

Everything You Need In One Stop

Grocery Services North has everything you need in one place. You won’t have to go from store-to-store looking for everything you need. Visit any of our locations in Dallas, Waco, Tyler, and Longview today to find out how easy WIC grocery shopping can be. Groceryservicesnorth.com/locations.

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Grilled Cheese With WIC Foods

2022-08-26T02:50:14+00:00April 25th, 2022|Categories: Child Health, Grocery Services North, Meal Planning, Recipes, Texas WIC, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , , , , , |

Grilled Cheese Is American Classic

A grilled cheese sandwich is comfort food at its best! Use WIC foods to make the best grilled cheese sandwiches.

Ewwey gooey cheese sandwiched between toasty bread. There is something so simple and satisfying about a grilled cheese sandwich. 

Kids and adults can appreciate this meal any time of year. It’s perfect dipped into a big bowl of tomato soup or as a side to a healthy salad. Kids might prefer to eat it with a side of fruit.

Plus, this recipe is made using only WIC-approved foods: whole wheat bread and cheese. Plus, it’s a great source of protein and calcium. 

So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and grill some cheese! WIC-approved whole wheat bread and cheeses are all you need to make a delicious grilled cheese sandwich that will satisfy your hunger and comfort your soul. So go ahead, and indulge in this classic American favorite today!

Because today seems like a good day for a grilled cheese sandwich so here are some recipes we know you will want to try these grilled cheese recipes with WIC foods

Grilled Cheese made with WIC Foods

AMERICAN GRILLED CHEESE WITH WIC FOODS

2 slices of whole wheat bread

1 tablespoon butter

Cheese Slice

Heat skillet to medium heat. Generously butter one side of the slice of bread and put the butter side down into the pan. Place cheese on the side without butter.  Butter a second slice of bread and place butter side up on top of a cheese slice. Cook until lightly browned and then flip until cheese is perfectly melted. 

Mommy's Grilled Cheese made with WIC Foods

MOMMY’S  GRILLED CHEESE

2 slices of whole wheat bread

1 tablespoon butter

Cheese Slice

Sliced Avocado

Sliced Tomato

Heat skillet to medium heat. Generously butter one side of the slice of bread and put the butter side down into the pan. Place cheese on the side without butter. Add slices of avocado and tomato slices. Butter a second slice of bread and place butter side up on top of the tomato slice. Cook until lightly browned and then flip until cheese is perfectly melted. 

WIC GROCERY SHOPPING

Get all your WIC ingredients at Grocery Services North, a primarily WIC grocery store chain with locations in Dallas, Waco, Tyler, and Longview. Grocery Services North helps make getting WIC groceries easier. The store only offers WIC foods and clients can get in and out in one easy stop. Clients can even check their WIC balance before shopping. Bilingual clerks assist shoppers throughout their visit. Locations are conveniently located near WIC offices.

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

Find more recipes on our blog.

 

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March 2022

WIC Benefits Last For Years To Come

2022-03-21T15:50:06+00:00March 22nd, 2022|Categories: Child Health, Mom Health, Pregnancy, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , |

There are more benefits than nutrition counseling, free healthy food packages, and breastfeeding support that participants gain from the Texas WIC program.

The WIC program is a government-funded nutritional program to help improve the health and nutrition for pregnant women and their children up to age 5. 

“WIC saves lives and improves the health of nutritionally at-risk women, infants and children,” according to the USDA. “The results of studies conducted by FNS and other non-government entities prove that WIC is one of the nation’s most successful and cost-effective nutrition intervention programs.”

The USDA outlines that participants get WIC benefits that may include:

  • Improved birth outcomes and health care cost savings
  • Improved diet
  • Improved infant feeding
  • Improved immunization rates and medical care
  • Improved growth rates
  • Earlier prenatal care
  • Better health outcomes for mothers 

And much, much more!

WIC participants also receive the following WIC benefits as part of the program: Supplemental nutritious foods as part of the free monthly food package. WIC clients get their food benefit lists loaded onto an EBT card. They can redeem their benefits when shopping for food. Learn more at TexasWIC.org.

WIC clients also receive nutrition education and counseling at WIC clinics and online. 

Better health and nutrition can last a lifetime. All of the WIC services can help ensure that pregnant women and their children have the best chance at a healthy life. WIC is an important program that should be taken advantage of by all who are eligible. 

Texas WIC experts can also help participants get connected to other health and social service resources. 

WIC is an important resource for parents, providing them with the knowledge and tools they need to give their children the best possible start in life. The program helps ensure that kids get the nutrients they need to grow up healthy and strong.

To apply to Texas WIC, visit online here.

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WIC Online Classes

2022-04-08T12:56:24+00:00March 21st, 2022|Categories: Child Health, Mom Health, Pregnancy, Texas WIC, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , |

Texas WIC Helps Parents Online

Texas WIC is ready to help parents from pregnancy to toddler. They even have free classes online each month to help parents learn the ropes. 

During March, WIC online classes range in topics from how to feed your baby to a live demonstration with a guest speaker on “Fearless Family Meals” and a “Life Pregnancy Discussion.”  There are two types of classes offered: 

  1. Live Online Classes – Use a link to watch a class live from your phone or computer.
  2. Click & Learn – You follow along by clicking through course materials.

Here is a glimpse of WIC Live Online classes coming up this week: 

March 22 from 10 AM to 11 AM  – Live Activity on Fearless Family Meals

March 22 from Noon to 1 PM – Live Discussion on WIC Shopping Tips and Tricks

March 22 from 3 to 4 PM – Live Discussion Series for Breastfeeding, Pumping and Bottle Feeding

March 23 from 1 to 2 PM – Live Discussion on Feeding Your Baby from 8 to 12 Months

To sign up, use this link: https://texaswic.org/online-classes. Click on the class you would like to participate in and follow the instructions to enroll. Learn more about Texas WIC on our blog.

 

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