WIC Food

September 2024

It’s PUMPKIN season!

2024-09-10T14:24:49+00:00September 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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June 2024

Summer Smoothie Series: Green Smoothie

2024-06-13T13:45:30+00:00June 12th, 2024|Categories: Meal Planning, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , , , , , , , |

GREEN SMOOTHIE

This green smoothie has quickly become a breakfast favorite, as it’s packed with lots of good fats that give you a great start to the day by feeling nourished and energetic.

2 avocados, pitted & peeled

2 bananas, peeled

1 cup vanilla yogurt

1 cup milk

1 ½ cups ice

Blend & enjoy!

Summer Smoothie Series: Berry Smoothie

2024-06-13T13:45:08+00:00June 11th, 2024|Categories: Meal Planning, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , , |

BERRY SMOOTHIE

1 cup vanilla yogurt

½ cup strawberries, chopped (fresh or frozen)

½ cup cherries, pitted (fresh or frozen)

½ cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)

1 banana, peeled

1 cup milk

1 cup ice

Blend & enjoy!

Summer Smoothie Series: Coffee Smoothie

2024-06-13T13:45:15+00:00June 5th, 2024|Categories: Meal Planning, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , , , , , , , |

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!

May 2024

Protein-Packed Snack!

2024-05-10T20:07:22+00:00May 8th, 2024|Categories: Recipes, WIC Food|Tags: , , , , , , , |

Roasted chickpeas are a delicious and healthy snack that can be made using canned chickpeas.

ROASTED CHICKPEAS

1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas

(garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed

1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

(adjust all spices to your preference)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional: a pinch of any other

spices you like (e.g., curry powder,

chili powder, onion powder, etc.)

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.

Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas thoroughly. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.

In a mixing bowl, combine the chickpeas, olive oil, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. You can add any other optional spices at this point as well. Toss the chickpeas until they are evenly coated with the oil and spices.

Spread the seasoned chickpeas in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Roast the chickpeas in the preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes or until they become golden brown and crispy. You can shake the baking sheet or toss the chickpeas halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking.

Once roasted to your desired crispiness, remove the chickpeas from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Pick up your chickpeas and other WIC foods at Grocery Services North.

April 2024

WIC Foods Perfect For Toddlers

2024-05-02T00:56:30+00:00April 29th, 2024|Categories: Meal Planning, Mom Health, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , |

WIC foods are a great way to make sure your little ones are getting good nutrition. When WIC foods are part of a recipe, you know you are giving them healthy choices. Coming up with new ways to get your little ones to try new foods can be very challenging.

These easy recipes are perfect for toddlers, and they feature WIC-approved foods.

PEANUT BUTTER, BERRY OATMEAL

Oatmeal

Berries

Peanut butter

Cook oatmeal according to package directions.

Stir in a spoonful of peanut butter and mashed berries. Mix until well combined and serve warm.

Here is another recipe perfect for your little one, but tasty enough for the entire family to try.

VEGETABLE, LENTIL SOUP

1 cup dried lentils, rinsed and drained

4 cups vegetable broth

2 cups water

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 onion, diced

2 carrots, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

½ teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cups diced tomatoes, fresh or canned

2 cups chopped spinach

Juice of 1 lemon

In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add diced vegetables. Cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add spices to the pot. Cook for another couple of minutes. Add dried lentils, broth, and water to the pot. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25 minutes or until lentils are tender. Stir in diced tomatoes, spinach and cook another 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste.

TUNA, AVOCADO SANDWICH BITES

Canned tuna, drained

Avocado, mashed

Whole-wheat bread, toasted

Mash avocado and mix with canned tuna

Spread mixture on whole-grain bread and cut into triangles.

Pick up all your WIC foods at a Grocery Services North store near you!

March 2024

Easy Family Dinner Featuring WIC Foods

2024-03-24T23:34:38+00:00March 24th, 2024|Categories: Meal Planning, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , |

Red Beans & Rice

1 cup diced onion

2 tbsp minced garlic

1 tomato, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

1 jalapeno, diced

½ cup diced bell pepper of any color

1 ½ cups of rice

1 can kidney beans

3 tbsp+ hot sauce (Louisiana, Tabasco, or your favorite hot sauce)

2 tbsp Soy Sauce

Salt & Pepper, Paprika, Red Pepper Flakes, Garlic Powder

Cook the rice according to package instructions. Heat oil in a large skillet then add onions. Allow to cook for about 5 minutes then add in garlic, tomato, and celery then stir together and cook for a few minutes. Add in jalapeno and bell pepper then stir together. Cook until all vegetables are tender. Add in the cooked rice and kidney beans, stir and cook for about 5 minutes. Add in the seasonings and sauces, then cook for about 5 more minutes to allow the flavors to soak in. Serve and enjoy!

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day With Colcannon Mashed Potatoes

2024-03-08T13:29:53+00:00March 7th, 2024|Categories: Meal Planning, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , , , |

Serve up a bowl of good luck with this Colcannon Mashed Potato recipe.  This St. Patrick’s Day favorite features WIC-approved vegetables like potatoes, cabbage and milk.  It’s sure to be a hit with your family this St. Patrick’s Day and all year long.

COLCANNON MASHED POTATOES

3 large russet potatoes, cut into chunks

7 tbsp butter

⅓ head of cabbage, shredded

2 tbsp garlic, minced

4 stalks of green onion, sliced

1 cup milk

Salt, pepper, garlic powder – to taste

Cut 3 large russet potatoes into chunks and add to a large pot of water with salt. Boil until fork tender then strain the potatoes in a colander. In the same large pot, add about 4 tbsp of butter and melt. Add in shredded cabbage, green onion, and garlic then stir. Cook until the cabbage is wilted, about 10 minutes. Add in the potato chunks, mash with a fork, and stir. Add in the milk ½ cup at a time, along with 2 more tbsp of butter, and stir thoroughly. Add in salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. Top with a slice of butter and enjoy!

January 2024

New Arrival Alert: Oak Farms Milk Now In Stores

2024-01-16T12:59:51+00:00January 16th, 2024|Categories: Grocery Services North, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , |

Grocery Services North is Now Carrying Oak Farms Milk

Attention WIC Moms: Exciting News – Oak Farms Milk is Now Available at Grocery Services North stores for you and your little ones! 

Oak Farms Milk has arrived at our store, offering a nutritious and wholesome choice. Whether you’re pouring it over cereal or enjoying a glass by itself, you will love the taste of Oak Farms Milk.

To celebrate, here’s a fun recipe featuring milk for a nutritious breakfast treat:

OVERNIGHT OATS

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup regular yogurt (plain or flavored)

1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Fresh or frozen fruit (e.g., berries, sliced banana, diced apple, or any fruit you like)

Nuts or seeds for topping (e.g., almonds, chia seeds, or walnuts)

A pinch of salt

In a mason jar or airtight container, combine the rolled oats, milk, regular yogurt, honey or maple syrup (if using), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to mix all the ingredients together.

Add your choice of fresh or frozen fruit to the mixture. Berries, banana slices, and diced apples are popular options, but you can use any fruit your child enjoys.

Seal the container with a lid and shake it or stir to ensure all the ingredients are well combined.

Refrigerate the container overnight or for at least 4-6 hours. This allows the oats to absorb the liquid and become creamy.

In the morning, give the overnight oats a good stir to redistribute the ingredients. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a little more milk to achieve your desired consistency.

Top your overnight oats with your choice of nuts or seeds for added crunch and nutrition. Chia seeds, sliced almonds, or walnuts work well. Serve the overnight oats cold, right from the fridge.Enjoy a nutritious and delicious breakfast!

Visit a Grocery Services North store today to pick up your WIC-approved milk and other foods.

Black Bean Brownies

2024-01-10T01:55:08+00:00January 9th, 2024|Categories: Meal Planning, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , |

Craving something sweet? Whip up a batch of tasty black bean brownies using WIC-approved ingredients like black beans and peanut butter! Trust us, you won’t even notice the difference!

BLACK BEAN BROWNIES
3 eggs
3 tbsp oil (vegetable, olive, or avocado)
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup peanut butter
½ cup packed brown sugar
⅓ cup cocoa powder
1 can of black beans (15oz)
Optional:
½ cup chocolate chips for topping
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Coat a 9×9 inch baking pan with oil or non-stick cooking spray. Drain and rinse the black beans. Add all ingredients aside from toppings into a blender and blend until the ingredients look well mixed. Pour into the greased baking pan and cook for 25-30 minutes. Allow the brownies to cool before cutting into pieces and serving. Enjoy!