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Meal Planning

June 2022

Ways To Save Money This Summer

2022-06-22T13:18:31+00:00June 21st, 2022|Categories: Dallas, Grocery Services North, Meal Planning, Texas WIC, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , |

Everything seems to cost more these days: gas, groceries, and almost everything else. Here are a few tips to help parents save money this summer on everything from groceries to gas. HINT: Maximizing Texas WIC can help!

MAKE FEWER TRIPS

One way to save gas money is to try to fit in as many errands into the same trip. Fewer trips to an area help reduce the number of miles you are driving to get there and back.  Mapping out your errands this way also helps you save time. 

For example, if you are driving to a WIC clinic to renew your benefits then pick up your WIC groceries at a nearby PWIC store that caters to WIC clients. Stores like Grocery Services North locations are usually really really close to WIC clinics. Sometimes they are even next door. Find a PWIC store near you at GroceryServicesNorth.com/locations.

SAVE MONEY WITH WIC: USE EBT

Another way to save money is to make sure you redeem all your EBT benefits. Remember, if you don’t use your WIC benefits by the end of the month they expire. SNAP benefits never expire so redeem your WIC benefits first. Bonus, Grocery Services North locations accept WIC and SNAP EBT. 

Using programs like WIC for food benefits will help you save money on food. Plus, PWIC stores like Grocery Services North caters to WIC clients. That means we have all your WIC items in one place, and the bilingual staff is familiar with the program if you need help. 

PLAN YOUR MENU AHEAD, SAVE MONEY WITH WIC FOODS

Another way to save money is to plan your menu for the week or even the month ahead. It also helps create less waste. For example, if you roast veggies you can use them for two meals in one week by using them in a stir-fry one night, as a side, or even in a salad or a grilled sandwich. It also helps you save time because you can cook multiple meals at one time. If you are looking for tips on meal planning check out this article. 

Plus, check out our blog for more recipe ideas using WIC foods. 

It’s also a great activity for kids. When you get them involved, you can have age-appropriate conversations about healthy foods, meal planning, and not wasting food.

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WIC Kids: Fun Summertime Activity

2024-06-05T15:59:05+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 WIC foods, 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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May 2022

Family Meal Ideas

2024-05-24T12:54:28+00:00May 26th, 2022|Categories: Grocery Services North, Kid Activities, Meal Planning, Texas WIC|Tags: , , , , , , |

Add Some Sparkle To Your Memorial Day Table Using WIC Foods

Looking to add a little something festive to your Memorial Day Weekend menu? Here are a few family meal ideas using WIC foods that will add a little something extra to your holiday.

Temperatures are also beginning to heat up so these recipes are easy, refreshing no-fuss bites. They are the perfect way for you to keep everyone satisfied without having to spend too much time in the kitchen. Plus, little helpers can also get involved for the perfect quality family time.

IDEAS FOR FAMILY MEALS USING WIC FOODS

FRUIT SPARKLER DRINK

Break out your red and blue fruits and add them to your ice water or juice for a cool, refreshing treat. A few fun fruits to try are watermelon, strawberries, and blueberries. Don’t forget to let the kiddos help. This is a perfect way to celebrate while spending time outside this Memorial Day weekend.

PATRIOTIC CHEESE TRAY

Cheese platters have never been more popular! Cut up some of your favorite fruits and cheeses and arrange in fun patriotic ways. Make a red, white and blue design, like the one in the photo, using blueberries, white cheese cubes and cubed watermelon. You could also use strawberries. The design possibilities are endless and the kids will love getting involved!

VEGGIE ROLL-UPS

Roll-ups make a simple, healthy snack or lunch the kids will love. Place a whole wheat tortilla on a plate, add your favorite salsa, dressing, vegetables, and cheese, and roll! Cut the rolled tortilla into bite-size pieces and enjoy! A few filling ideas include and combination of the following WIC-approved foods: lettuce, tomato, cheese, apple, avocado, guacamole, cucumbers, raw or cooked mushrooms, and beans!

Once made and sliced, arrange on a platter for a quick family-style meal for everyone.

DON’T FORGET THE WATERMELON

No matter how you cut it, watermelon is a summertime staple. It’s perfect for hot days because it even can help you stay hydrated. There are so many fun ways to eat this fruit. Cut it into cubes and place it on skewers for a fun kebob. The kiddos can help by cutting watermelon slices with cookie cutters and creating fun shapes (Oh my Stars for Memorial Day!) You can even quarter watermelon and dig in with a spoon!

GROCERY SERVICES NORTH CATERS TO WIC CLIENTS

Get all your WIC foods in one easy stop at any Grocery Services North location. To find a location near you visit us here.

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Recipes Using WIC Salsa & Tomato Sauce

2022-05-06T12:00:38+00:00May 3rd, 2022|Categories: Grocery Services North, Meal Planning, Recipes, Texas WIC, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , , , , , , |

Recipes Spotlighting 2 New WIC-Approved Foods

Grocery Services North is offering two new WIC products that will help make healthy family recipes a breeze. 

The stores are currently offering Always Save® mild jarred salsa and canned tomato sauce. These two new products can help busy moms save time in the kitchen. Here are a few recipes you are going to want to try with these two new products. 

 Both products are redeemable as WIC foods in the fruits and vegetable category. Learn more about WIC’s expanded fruit and vegetable benefits here. 

Try this recipe using our new jarred salsa:

BLACK BEAN & SALSA PASTA MELT

1 jar (16 oz) salsa

1 ½ cups of water

2 cups of elbow macaroni

1 can black beans, drained

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Add drained black beans to a skillet. Add salsa and water and stir. Bring everything to a boil. Add macaroni and reduce heat on medium-low and cover. Cook until pasta is tender, about 15 minutes. Add cheese and cover until it is melted. Enjoy!

 

Here is a recipe featuring our new tomato sauce:

EASY SKILLET VEGETABLE PASTA

½ tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

½ teaspoon garlic powder

1 can tomato sauce (8 ounces)

1 cup water

8 ounces of uncooked pasta, such as elbow macaroni

2 cups fresh or frozen vegetables (ideas: chopped carrots, tomatoes or bell peppers) 

½ cup grated cheese

Add olive oil to a pan and heat on medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic powder. Add tomato sauce, water and uncooked pasta. Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes. Add fresh or frozen vegetables, stir and cook until pasta and vegetables are tender, about 10 more minutes. Add cheese and heat until melted. Enjoy!

Visit any Grocery Services North store to pick up these two new products today!

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Cinco De Mayo!

2022-08-26T02:43:07+00:00May 2nd, 2022|Categories: Kid Activities, Meal Planning, Texas WIC, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping|Tags: , , , , , |

Ideas, Recipes For Celebrating May 5 With The Entire Family

Make Queso Using WIC Cheese & Homemade Tortilla Chips

There are so many fun ways to celebrate Cinco De Mayo with your family.  Go for a picnic, or even just decorate your home in the colors of the Mexican flag. No matter how you choose to celebrate, Cinco De Mayo is a great time to remember heritage and spend time with loved ones.

Cinco De Mayo is a holiday that celebrates when Mexican army’s victory in 1862 over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War.

Making traditional Mexican food and snacks is one way to celebrate! Yum!  Here are some great foods to add a little flavor for the holiday using WIC-approved foods: queso dip using WIC cheese and homemade tortilla chips: 

HOMEMADE TORTILLA CHIPS

12 corn tortillas

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Salt

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Brush oil on both sides of the tortilla. Cut each tortilla into sixths to make triangle chips. Place cut tortillas in a single layer on baking sheets and season with salt. Bake until crispy.

 

QUESO DIP WITH WIC CHEESE

1 pound American cheese slices, quartered

¼ cup milk

½ cup jarred salsa

Combine cheese and milk in a  small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until cheese is melted. Add salsa, mix and enjoy. 

CINCO DE MAYO FAMILY FUN

To celebrate in big style,  you can even make your own DIY piñata with an empty cereal box and fill it with small toys or treats. Check out this fun video tutorial on how to make your own.

For more Cinco De Mayo ideas click on the photo for a link to a post on our blog with more recipes and blog ideas.

 

 

 

 

GET WIC CHEESE + MORE AT GROCERY SERVICES NORTH

Get all your WIC groceries at Grocery Services North, a chain of stores that caters to WIC clients. Our unique shopping format features personalized bilingual customer service to help you get in and out with all your WIC foods as easy and fast as possible. Find out how easy WIC grocery shopping can be. Visit any of our locations in Dallas, Waco, Tyler, and Longview today.

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April 2022

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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Quiches Are Perfect WIC Dinner

2023-11-10T19:52:56+00:00April 11th, 2022|Categories: Meal Planning, Recipes, Texas WIC, WIC Food, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , , |

WIC Foods Found Perfect Pairing with Springtime Quiches

Need to whip up a quick WIC dinner? There are few recipes more perfect for spring than a delicious quiche.  They are made with eggs and cheese and often feature springtime vegetables, WIC ingredients that are healthy and tasty.

There are so many  different combinations for quiche. They can be  made with a pie crust or crustless. They can spotlight different flavors of cheese for a little variety. They can be eaten for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

To kick off spring here are a few quiche recipes we know you will enjoy. 

More Cooking with WIC Foods

The first recipe comes from USDA’s recipes perfect for Easter. It’s a basic quiche you can enjoy anytime:

BASIC QUICHE

1 pie crust (baked, 9-inch)

1 cup of vegetables (chopped, broccoli, zucchini, or mushrooms)

1/2 cup cheese (shredded)

3 egg (beaten)

1 cup milk (non-fat)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Shred the cheese with a grater. Put it in a small bowl for now.Chop the vegetables until you have 1 cup of chopped vegetables. Cook the vegetables until they are cooked, but still crisp. Put the cooked vegetables and shredded cheese into a pie shell. Mix the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a bowl. Pour the egg mix over the cheese and vegetables.Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let the quiche cool for 5 minutes before serving.

For nutrition information, please visit Basic Quiche  at What’s Cooking? USDA Mixing Bowl.

Even More Cooking with WIC Foods

This next recipe makes a “magic” crust so no pie shell is needed. It is from USDA’s My Plate. MAGIC QUICHE

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1/2 cup onion (chopped)

2 cups vegetables (can use frozen, fresh or leftovers)

1 cup cheddar cheese, low-fat (shredded)

3 eggs

1 1/2 cups milk, 1%

3/4 cup baking mix (like Bisquick)

Cook onion in oil (or cook with vegetables).  Cook vegetables (or use leftovers). Drain well. Grease round pie pan or 8 x 8 inch baking dish. Spread cooked vegetables in pan. Spread cheese on top of vegetables. Mix milk, eggs and baking mix. Pour over vegetables and cheese. Bake at 350 degrees F for 35 minutes, until a safe internal temperature has been reached and a knife inserted into the middle comes out clean. Suggest preparing with frozen broccoli or spinach. Source: Simple Healthy Recipes Oklahoma Nutrition Information and Education ONIE Project.

GET WIC DINNER INGREDIENTS AT GROCERY SERVICES NORTH

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.

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

 

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WIC Inspired Recipe – Oatmeal Banana Muffins

2022-08-26T02:55:54+00:00April 5th, 2022|Categories: Meal Planning, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , |

Use WIC Oatmeal, Bananas, Eggs, Milk + More For This Recipe

These whole wheat, maple-sweetened banana muffins are so tasty and moist, you wouldn’t guess they’re healthy muffins! They’re easy to make as well, with basic ingredients, including WIC foods,  that can go in just one mixing bowl. If you love bananas as much as I do, then try cutting up an extra banana & adding a slice in the middle of each muffin before baking. 

The recipe makes 12 muffins. These muffins will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Maple Sweetened Oatmeal Banana Muffins

⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil

½ cup maple syrup or honey

2 eggs

1 cup packed mashed ripe bananas (about 3 bananas)

¼ cup milk of choice

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon cinnamon, plus more for sprinkling on top

1 ¾ cups white whole wheat flour or regular whole wheat flour

⅓ cup rolled oats, plus more for sprinkling on top

1 teaspoon raw sugar or other granulated sugar, for sprinkling on top

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. If you don’t have a non-stick muffin pan, grease all 12 cups of your muffin tin.

In a large bowl, beat the olive oil and maple syrup together with a whisk. Add the eggs and beat well. Mix in the mashed bananas and milk, followed by the baking soda, vanilla extract, salt and cinnamon. Add the flour and oats to the bowl and mix with a large spoon until combined.

Divide the batter evenly between the muffin cups. Sprinkle the tops of the muffins with a small amount of oats, followed by a light sprinkling of sugar. Bake muffins for 22 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a muffin comes out clean.

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 Food

2022-04-16T15:17:16+00:00April 5th, 2022|Categories: Grocery Services North, Meal Planning, Recipes, Texas WIC, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping|Tags: , , , , , , |

Two New Products Hit Shelves

Grocery Services North is offering two new WIC-approved products: mild jarred salsa and canned tomato sauce. 

These delicious and healthy additions are perfect for busy families on the go. The salsa is perfect for dipping or adding a little spice to your favorite dishes, while the tomato sauce is a kitchen staple.

WIC Food: SalsaAdd salsa to your favorite WIC food: everything from your scrambled eggs, guacamole or as a healthy dip for your fresh veggies. Plus, they are perfect with beans or rice!

Canned tomato sauce is healthy, low in calories, and can be used in a variety of different dishes made with WIC food from pasta, rice to tacos.WIC food: Tomato Sauce

Both items are made by Always Save®. Also, both items are redeemable as a WIC food as a vegetable. Learn more about WIC’s expanded fruit and vegetable benefits here.

“We are committed to providing WIC participants with healthy, affordable food choices,” said Cristina Torres, Grocery Services North store manager. “These new products are perfect for busy families who want convenience and delicious flavor. Stop by your local store today to redeem them with your WIC benefits.”

So if you’re looking to spice up your WIC food options, be sure to check out jarred salsa and canned tomato sauce. They’ll make your mealtime that much easier and more delicious. 

Grocery Services North is a chain of stores that cater to WIC clients. The stores help WIC clients redeem all their WIC benefits in one easy stop. Bilingual clerks assist shoppers throughout their visit, and you can even check your WIC balance before shopping. Visit today to find out how easy WIC grocery shopping can be.

SNAP is also accepted.

 

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March 2022

WIC Inspired Recipe – Yogurt Bark

2022-08-26T01:51:34+00:00March 3rd, 2022|Categories: Meal Planning, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , , , , , , , |

It’s no secret that moms are always looking for easy, healthy snacks to pack in their kids’ lunches or to have on hand when the munchies strike. This WIC inspired recipe – yogurt bark treats – are a great option because they’re made with some of your favorite WIC-approved ingredients. And bonus: they’re delicious! So give them a try today. Your kids will love them!

 These can easily be made into popsicles too!

So what are you waiting for? Whip up a batch of these yogurt popsicles today and let us know what you think. As always, we love to hear from our customers, so be sure to tag us on social if you make these. And don’t forget to visit Grocery Services North for all your WIC grocery needs. We’ve got everything you need, from baby formula, fresh produce to dairy products and beyond.

Yogurt Bark

2 cups Plain Yogurt

¼ cup Maple Syrup

½ tsp Pure Vanilla Extract

¼ tsp Fresh Lemon Juice

Strawberries, sliced

Blueberries

Chopped Pecans (Optional)

Line a baking sheet with wax paper and set aside. In a large mixing bowl combine yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla extract, & lemon juice; whisk until thoroughly combined.

Transfer yogurt mixture to a previously prepared baking sheet and spread it around to an even thickness. Top with berries. Garnish with nuts (optional). Freeze for 3 hours or until firm. Cut into pieces and serve. Keep in the freezer.

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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