WIC Food

July 2022

Primarily WIC Stores Coming To East Texas

2022-07-26T13:40:35+00:00July 18th, 2022|Categories: Grocery Services North, Texas WIC, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , , |

Grocery Services North Opening Tyler, Longview Locations

WIC grocery shopping is about to get easier for East Texans. Primarily WIC stores will soon open in Tyler and Longview.

Grocery Services North will soon open its 10th and 11th Primarily WIC stores in East Texas.  The Tyler location will open at 225 East Amherst #700 and the Longview location is opening at 2430 South High Street, #C4.Both are conveniently located next door to WIC clinics. 

The stores will feature the latest shopping technology in English and Spanish.

“WIC clients can update their WIC benefits, and get all their WIC groceries in one easy stop,” said Cristina Torres, Grocery Services North manager. “Plus, customers can check their WIC balance before shopping and see exactly what WIC benefits are remaining.”

Grocery Services North is a primarily WIC grocery store chain with locations in Dallas and Waco, TX and now East Texas. The stores offer an easy WIC shopping format that takes the hassle out of WIC shopping. 

PRIMARILY WIC STORES COMING SOON EAST TEXAS

The Primarily WIC store in Tyler and Longview will only be stocked with WIC-approved groceries – including everything from baby formula, specialty baby formula, milk, eggs, cheese, beans, tuna, peanut butter to fresh fruits and vegetables. Grocery Services North makes it super easy to get all your WIC groceries in one easy stop.

WIC clients can visit a store, insert their WIC EBT card at the counter to see all of their redeemable WIC benefits before they shop. Bilingual clerks help assist WIC customers get all their desired WIC groceries for checkout. WIC clients then approve each item for redemption while a clerk sacks all their groceries.

 “Customers don’t have to wonder if their groceries are WIC approved or search aisles looking for groceries,” Ms. Torres said.

WIC Approved Fruits and Vegetables

2022-07-21T14:47:09+00:00July 11th, 2022|Categories: Dallas, Grocery Services North, Meal Planning, Texas WIC, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , |

Expanded WIC Approved Fruits and Vegetables Benefit Extended Thru September

Texas WIC has extended it’s expanded fruit and vegetable benefits thru the end of September. Now clients can get even more WIC approved fruits and vegetables.

According to WIC, the new WIC approved fruits and vegetables benefit is currently:

  • Children get $24 each month 
  • Pregnant, postpartum and some breastfeeding clients get $43 each month 
  • Fully and partially breastfeeding clients get $47 each month.

For example, if you are pregnant and have two children (ages 1-5) receiving WIC, you will get $91 ($43 mom + $24 child + $24 child = $91) each month in April, May and June to buy fruit and vegetables, according to WIC.

WIC clients should contact a local WIC office if they have questions about these benefits. 

The expanded WIC fruit and vegetable benefits are expected to return to $11 for pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women and $9 for children Oct. 1.

WIC clients can get all their WIC groceries in one easy stop at any Grocery Services North location in Dallas and Waco. Grocery Services North caters to WIC clients and locations are located conveniently to WIC offices to help customers get WIC in one trip. 

June 2022

Enjoy Summer WIC Foods This July 4!

2022-08-26T04:41:53+00:00June 24th, 2022|Categories: Grocery Services North, Kid Activities, Meal Planning, Recipes, Texas WIC, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , , , |

Summer is in full swing. Que the fireworks because this July 4th is going to be HOT! We have summer WIC foods and fun activities your plans this holiday weekend.

If you are ready to kick off July 4th with a big bang, we have some great tips to help you cool down and chill and celebrate with your family this holiday weekend – all spotlighting foods WIC foods you can redeem with your EBT card.

The fun doesn’t stop there. We also rounded up some family-friendly activities for the entire family. 

SUMMER WIC FOODS: PICNIC PERFECT (SPOTLIGHTING WIC INGREDIENTS)

Many people will fire up the grill this holiday weekend. We have the perfect grill addition and a few sides that go perfect with your family picnic.

 

SUMMER WIC FOODS: GRILLED POTATOES

Wrap your russet potatoes up in foil and throw them on the grill. Before closing the foil, feel free to add your favorite seasoning blend and a little olive oil for some extra flavor. Place them on the grill rack and let them cook. You know they are done when a knife slides easily into the center of the potato. Remove from grill and let cool. Remove foil and get ready for the fluffiest, smokiest tasting “baked”  potato you can imagine. Add toppings (cheese, plain yogurt, salt, and pepper to taste) of your choice. 

SUMMER WIC FOODS: SALSA MADE WITH GRILLED PEACHES 

While your grill is out, slice open peaches ( a great summer WIC food) in half and throw them cut side down on the grill for this amazing recipe you will want to keep eating ALL SUMMER LONG.

4 ripe peaches pitted and sliced in half

1 red onion diced

2 ripe tomato diced

2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional)

1 lime juiced

Salt & pepper to taste

Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Brush the peaches with olive oil and place them cut-side down onto the grill. Grill for about 5 minutes until the peaches are soft but not mushy. In a bowl combine the remaining ingredients. Remove hot peaches from the grill. Let them cool before dicing them. Add to bowl and mix with remaining ingredients. Serve.

INDEPENDENCE DAY FAMILY FUN 

Spending time with loved ones is the best medicine. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to put a smile on a kid’s face and enjoy quality family time. In fact, sometimes the simpler things are the best.  Here are a few ideas we loved for spending extra quality time with the family this holiday weekend. 

DON’T WASTE TIME, GET YOUR SUMMER WIC FOODS TODAY!

With so much family fun planned, stop by any Grocery Services North locations to pick up all your WIC groceries in one easy stop. Don’t search aisles for WIC-approved foods. Grocery Services North caters to WIC clients, and everything in the store is WIC approved. You will be in and out with your groceries for your family picnic. Find a location near a WIC clinic near you on our website.

 

 

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.

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. 

May 2022

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!

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.

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.

 

WIC Class On Bottle Feeding Baby

2022-06-01T19:52:57+00:00April 20th, 2022|Categories: Baby Food, Baby Formula, Texas WIC, WIC Food|Tags: , , , |

Texas WIC is offering a “Click & Learn” class this month on how to bottle feed your baby. WIC clients can take the free online class from the Texas WIC website.

WIC Experts will walk you through how to: 

  • Tell when baby is hungry or full
  • Prepare a bottle safely
  • Bottle feed your baby

To sign up for the class, visit TexasWIC.org class page here.

Being a new mom is stressful. Texas WIC is a free nutrition education program for qualifying mothers and their children up to age 5. The program provides free nutrition counseling, free monthly food packages for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and their children until their 5th birthday. To apply for the program, visit TexasWIC.org

 

Easter Fun For the Whole Family

2025-04-17T13:23:06+00:00April 14th, 2022|Categories: Recipes, Texas WIC, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , , , , , |

Easter weekend is a fun time to enjoy healthy WIC foods and get outdoors with the kids. We have rounded up some great activities and fun recipes featuring the season’s best food: eggs.

Whether you are coloring, hunting or eating them, there are so many fun ways to enjoy these nutritious little nuggets.

COLORING EGGS

Pick up a dozen eggs for your kiddos to color this Easter. We have made a step-by-step guide for coloring eggs in this blog post. This is a great activity for kids of all ages. Plus, they will love eating the results of their creative activity.

HUNTING EGGS

There is no better way to welcome spring than to enjoy some outside time with the kids in the fresh spring air. Hunting for eggs is such a fun outdoor activity for kids and adults alike. If you aren’t up for hiding colored eggs where you live, search social media for fun neighborhood egg hunts close to where you live. 

EATING EGGS

Eggs are so delicious and nutritious. It’s why they are a favorite WIC food. Here are a few great recipes to enjoy for Easter:

MICROWAVE EGG CHEESE & PEPPER COFFEE MUG SCRAMBLE

2 large eggs

2 tablespoons milk

2 tablespoons cheddar cheese

1 tablespoon chopped tomato

1 teaspoon minced pickled jalapeño pepper, optional

Pinch each salt and pepper

Whisk together eggs, milk, cheese, tomato, jalapeño, salt, and pepper. Pour into well-greased 12-oz microwave-safe mug or mason jar. Microwave on High for 30 seconds; Stir. Microwave for 70 to 80 seconds or until eggs are puffed and set. Substitute prepared salsa for the chopped tomato and jalapeño if desired.

Make this recipe from the American Egg Board ahead of time for an amazing Easter breakfast:

SIMPLE BREAKFAST STRATA

4 Slices whole grain bread

4 Eggs

½ cup milk

½ teaspoon dried thyme or oregano leaves

6 slices Canadian-style bacon, chopped

½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese (2 oz.)

Place bread in a single layer in greased 8-inch square baking dish. Beat eggs, milk, and thyme in a medium bowl until blended; pour over bread. Sprinkle with bacon. Refrigerate, covered, at least 30 minutes or as long as overnight. Heat oven to 350°F. Remove strata from refrigerator; uncover and let stand while oven heats. Bake, uncovered, in the center of 350°F oven for 30 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake until cheese is melted and strata is puffed, golden and firm in the center, about 5 minutes longer.