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Dallas-Area WIC

January 2021

SNAP Welcome at Grocery Services North

2022-03-19T00:25:49+00:00January 6th, 2021|Categories: Grocery Services North, Meal Planning, Texas WIC, WIC Grocery Shopping|Tags: , , , , , , , |

We Accept SNAP

Did you know Grocery Services North, a primarily Dallas area WIC grocery store, also accepts SNAP? Our locations are near Dallas WIC Clinics  to help make it easier for WIC Clients to redeem theirGrocery Services North accepts SNAP benefits. While you are picking up your healthy WIC foods, you can also redeem your SNAP food benefits at our locations. Also during times of low availability of standard grocery items, traditional grocery stores may limit the amount or number of items that can be redeemed. At our stores we never limit your redemptions. If you are approved by the government for the benefit, you can redeem as much as you like. Many mothers on WIC also choose to use their SNAP benefit at our WIC store to purchase additional baby formula. Woman Infants and Children (WIC) is a nutrition supplement program to assist mothers get the healthiest start for their children, up to age 5. The program provides FREE nutrition education, breastfeeding support, classes and food packages for qualifying women. WIC clients may also be eligible for SNAP, a program to help adults buy food. If you are a SNAP client, you can pick up qualifying food products at any of our locations. SNAP BENEFITS INCREASING Governor Greg Abbott announced this week that beginning in January, SNAP recipients will receive a 15 percent increase in their total benefits, which will continue monthly until June 2021. The additional 15 percent increase and the emergency allotment amount should appear in recipients’ accounts by Jan. 23. “Thank you to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for extending these benefits and increasing the amount of benefits that Texas families will receive,” said Governor Abbott. “These emergency SNAP benefits continue to help put food on the table for many Texas families throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.” Texans in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP and Medicaid, at YourTexasBenefits.com

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December 2020

Bring On 2021! Get Support from WIC

2021-04-07T20:46:22+00:00December 30th, 2020|Categories: Texas WIC|Tags: , , , , , , |

NEW YEAR, HEALTHY START: GET WIC SUPPORT

Every year people hope to turn over a new leaf in the New Year. People have big plans for 2021, and why not make it the Year of Everything is Possible? If you want this year to be your big year of health, start by getting support from WIC. 

WIC stands for Woman, Infant and Children and is a program designed to help mothers help their children get a healthy start in life. The program offers support with clinic visits, education classes and nutrition supplements for you and your children, including help with breastfeeding.

There is no better way to help your children than to be a great example.  WIC offers the tools you need to be a great example for you and your kids. Plus, they offer a ton of free resources to help along your health journey. 

If you haven’t applied for WIC, do so today. To get started, you can apply online. 

WIC SUPPORTS MOTHER’S HEALTH

To help be a healthy example for your kids, nutrition starts with mothers. WIC offers guidelines online about eating healthy. They even have suggested recipes to make at home. This time of year, their Chili recipe is perfect for New Year’s Day.

If you recently gave birth, WIC offers tips about how to get back to a healthy you, including getting enough sleep, getting back to a healthy weight and how to care for your emotional health. Baby blues are a real thing. If you think you are suffering from postpartum depression, there are resources.

WIC SUPPORTS CHILDREN’S HEALTH

No one is taught how to feed babies or children until they become a mother. We have to learn. WIC is a great teacher. They provide many resources on breastfeeding, how to use and mix formula and handle a picky eater. 

WIC SUPPORT

Grocery Services North, a Primarily WIC grocery store chain, is also here to help. Our locations are located near WIC clinics, to help make it super easy to get your WIC groceries. Simply insert your WIC card in our card reader at the front counter and tell our staff which WIC-approved foods you would like to take home. We collect them for you to take home. Super easy and fast! Find a location near you today. Happy New Year!

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Recipe Using WIC Foods Perfect For Toddler

2022-08-25T20:01:37+00:00December 16th, 2020|Categories: Recipes, WIC Food|Tags: , , , , , , |

This is a super easy, kid-favorite recipe that is made with WIC foods. It’s also a great one to try when your toddler is ready to start eating solids.

For toddlers, these mini pancakes are the perfect finger food. They are also easy to make and use two WIC-approved foods. Pair with fresh fruit and you will have a well-rounded breakfast (or snack) any day of the week.  Store any remaining pancakes in the fridge up to 3 days or freeze up to a few months. Find WIC foods at any Grocery Services North location.

Healthy Mini Banana Pancakes

1 banana

2 eggs, beaten

Dash of cinnamon

Cooking spray

Fresh Fruit for topping or served on side

Mash the banana with a fork in a small bowl. Mash until as smooth as possible. It’s okay if there are small lumps in the batter. Beat eggs in a separate bowl. Add the beaten eggs and cinnamon to the bowl with the banana. Mix to combine until a batter is formed.  Coat a non-stick skillet with cooking spray. Pre-heat pan to medium-high heat.  Once the pan is hot, spoon a tablespoon into the pan to form mini pancakes. Cook for a few minutes before flipping and cooking an additional 2 minutes on the other side.  Top with fresh fruit and serve warm. Added Bonus: You can freeze these! Just put them in a container in the freezer. You can reheat in the skillet or microwave when ready to enjoy!

Texas WIC Helps Mom & Toddler + More!

Texas WIC is a perfect tool to help mom raises heathy babies, toddlers and children up to age 5.

It’s a supplemental nutrition program for expectant mothers and their children up to age 5 who meet certain criteria. The program provides nutrition counseling and support, free monthly food packages and breastfeeding support. To find out if you may be eligible, visit TexasWIC.org to apply. Get the ingredients for your smoothie at Grocery Services North, a primarily WIC grocery store chain in Dallas, Waco, Tyler and Longview. To find a location near you, visit GroceryServicesNorth.com/locations.

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Explore Stages of Baby Food, Feeding

2022-08-26T10:28:13+00:00December 14th, 2020|Categories: Baby Food, Baby Formula, Child Health, Texas WIC|Tags: , , , , , , |

Steps of Baby Feeding, 1-2-3

There are not many moments more rewarding than the first time you feed your baby. From the first feeding until they are throwing food on the floor in protest, your baby will go through several stages at mealtime. We have gathered pointers from experts, including WIC Texas, as a guide. No stage is predictable; no child is the same. Every parent has to take cues from their child and their physician to determine the best feeding practices. There are a few certainties. One of them is your child will go through several stages of eating in the first year.

BREASTFEEDING

Your first experience feeding your baby will likely be at the hospital. You will likely have help from trained professionals to advise and guide you about the best methods and techniques.  Every mom will have their own experience with breastfeeding. Some will nurse with ease for years. Others will have a harder time. Luckily there are free resources to help guide you along the way. We think one of the best resources is Texas WIC.  Experts at Texas WIC encourage mothers to breastfeed as long as possible. That’s because it’s both healthy for the baby and the mother. Texas WIC has created breastmilkcounts.com website that has everything you need to know about breastfeeding. There is even a hotline for WIC clients to call for breastfeeding support, 855-550-6667. To see if you are eligible to enroll, apply online or visit an area WIC clinic today.

FORMULA FEEDING

Even though breastfeeding is highly encouraged, not all moms are able to feed this way. Your little one still has to get nutrients to grow. Since babies are not allowed to try cow’s milk before age 1, formula is how your baby will get all the nutrition they need. There are many baby formulas on the market, including specialty prescription formulas for babies that have allergies or digestive issues. Talk to your child’s doctor about which one is best. You may need to try a few to find the right one. Remember to follow the manufacturer’s mixing instructions. They are not all the same. Mixing them properly is very important for the safety of your baby. Texas WIC offers these guidelines for mixing formulas.  Texas WIC clients can pick up their baby formula at any Grocery Services North, a grocery store chain that offers primarily WIC foods. They carry a large selection of baby formula and even prescription baby formulas. You can find a list of products online.  You can visit a  location near you, or schedule a time for pickup. Staff is also very knowledgeable about the WIC program and can help answer your questions. 

BABY FOOD & WIC

This is where it really starts to get fun. Once your baby is ready (your baby’s doctor can confirm when your little one can start sampling), they will start exploring new tastes and textures. It’s just as much fun for parents to discover what their little ones like and don’t like.  Aren’t sure if your baby is ready to move to the next stage? Texas WIC provides an outline online to help you recognize important baby milestones and signs your tot might be ready. Around 6-months old (confirm your child is ready with their doctor or a Texas WIC nutritionist), your baby may be able start trying purees. As they get older (around 9 months, but confirm with your doctor), they might be able to try foods that are soft and easily mashed. Scrambled eggs, soft fruits like bananas and avocados, steamed veggies or even homemade hummus. Once your baby starts trying foods other than breastmilk and formula, you will need to be on the lookout for possible reactions from food allergies. Some of the common allergies are soy, fish, shellfish, eggs, dairy, wheat or nuts (peanut butter for example since babies should not eat whole nuts because they may choke). Texas WIC offers great guidelines on signs your baby has a food allergy. It’s important to always watch your child while they eat in case they choke. Be prepared in the event they need help.  Guiding your baby through the various stages of eating will be a joy to watch. Enjoy the process!

TEXAS WIC CAN HELP WITH BABY FOOD

The WIC program is free for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, and their children up to 5 years old. It’s designed for mothers to help their kids get a healthy start. WIC participants are able to take home free nutritional food, enroll in free nutritional classes and visit WIC-approved clinics. To find out if you qualify visit an area clinic near you or apply online.

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November 2020

Tips For A Successful Thanksgiving 2020

2023-11-10T19:55:56+00:00November 25th, 2020|Categories: Meal Planning, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , , , |

From Shopping and Cooking WIC Foods & More

There isn’t anything typical about 2020. Thanksgiving won’t be either. It might even be better than normal. We have tips for grocery shopping and recipes (including WIC foods) to activites for the whole family. Health officials are also urging us to change how we celebrate Thanksgiving. Instead of large family gatherings, opt for a feast with just your household, they advise. So maybe you won’t be traveling to grandma’s house this year, but you can still have some of your family traditions – even if it is smaller scale. Maybe you will even find a few new favorites to be thankful for this year.  The change of plans might mean you are preparing a bird and all the trimmings for the first time. Here are a few of our best tips if you are preparing a feast this year: 

COOKING THE BIRD

There is no shortage of tips and tricks to cook a turkey, but the USDA has put all the essential information in one place. They cover how to select your turkey, how to defrost your bird, how to cook and store leftovers. All the details are on their website.

WIC SHOPPING

Plan and shop safely. If you are a WIC client, get as much as you can from a primarily WIC grocery store, like Grocery Services North.  We can help you get your WIC shopping done and be in-and-out of the store in no time. You won’t have to spend extra time searching for WIC-approved items among all those that aren’t. Also, make a list of the items you need. It will also be helpful when you start planning your dinner. Don’t forget to wear a mask.

PLAN YOUR  MEAL USING WIC FOOD

When it comes to preparing Thanksgiving dinner – no matter how big or small – preparation is everything. We can help plan your menu using WIC food.

  • Review your recipes. Make sure you have a well-balanced meal that incorporates healthy fruits and vegetables.  If you are looking for recipe inspiration, visit the collection at Texas WIC.  There you can find great and healthy side dishes and desserts like apple crisp, cauliflower with lemon, citrus glazed carrots, fruit salad and roasted sweet potatoes. 
  • Keep it simple. One of the main themes of Thanksgiving Day 2020 is to keep it small. Even though we might miss spending the day with our extended family and friends, having a smaller gathering might also be less stressful. Keep your menu simple and well balanced too.
  •  Also, don’t forget about the leftovers. Texas WIC also has a few great recipes to help use up your leftover poultry: chicken and rice casserole and chicken tortilla soup.

FUN FOR THE KIDS

This may be the perfect year to incorporate a few new family traditions. Here are a few ideas to consider: 

  • Let your kids help prepare a side or take part in the cooking. Of course, what they help prepare will depend on their age. Younger children can help make a side with your supervision. Toddlers can make crafts to decorate the table. Some fun ideas include turkeys made by tracing your hand. 
  • Older kids can also be in charge of setting up a group phone call with extended family and friends. You can FaceTime from an iPhone or Zoom, which is free for group calling (up to 100 people) for 40 minutes or less. Both options are free of charge.
  • Everyone in the family can help prepare a side dish or help you research how to cook a bird online. It’s also a fun family tradition to tell others why you are thankful. You can write notecards for the table or take turns sharing a few words before you eat.
  • Don’t forget to rest and have FUN!

Grocery Services North, a primarly WIC grocery store chain, provides a safe and easy shopping experience. Visit a location near you today.  

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Dinner Using Healthy WIC Food

2022-08-27T14:15:00+00:00November 17th, 2020|Categories: Meal Planning, Mom Health, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , |

Tuna Melts: Easy Dinner With WIC Ingredients

Tuna packs a nutritional punch, and is a very healthy WIC food choice!

It offers protein, iron, vitamin D, vitamin B-12 and omega 3.

If you are pregnant, you must eat tuna and other high mercury fish in moderation, but that doesn’t mean you have to completely avoid it.  Pregnant and nursing mothers may eat up to 12 ounces of canned light tuna or other low mercury fish a week.  Canned Albacore tuna has higher mercury so it is only advised to eat 6 ounces a week. It’s also important that tuna is fully cooked and not raw, health experts advise. If you are pregnant, the omega-3 fatty acids in tuna also help your baby grow, especially in the development of your baby’s brain. 

HEALTHY WIC FOOD INSPIRED RECIPE 

There are plenty of ways to eat your weekly serving of tuna, whether it be a classic salad sandwich or wrap. This dinner recipe, using healthy WIC food, makes for a great sandwich, or can be enjoyed plain. Here’s the recipe that uses WIC-inspired ingredients: 

SKILLET TUNA PATTY MELTS

3 cans of tuna

4 potatoes, peeled

1 tomato, sliced

1/3 head of lettuce

1 avocado

Vegetable oil

Dash of salt, pepper

Boil potatoes until cracked. Mash potatoes. Drain 3 cans of tuna. Add tuna into the boil of mashed potatoes. Mix together. Add three eggs, dash of salt and pepper. Mix until combined. Form patties in your hand. Add oil to the pan. Cook patties on medium heat. Serve with lettuce, tomato and avocado. Enjoy while hot!

SHOP FOR HEALTHY WIC FOOD

Get all your WIC-approved foods at Grocery Services North, a chain of grocery stores that cater to WIC clients. The stores are conveniently located near WIC clinics, and carry only WIC-approved foods. Visit today to find out how easy WIC grocery shopping can be.  Find a store near you in Dallas, Waco, Tyler and Longview.

TEXAS WIC PROGRAM

TexasWIC is a special supplemental nutrition program for Women, Infants and Children. To find out if you qualify, visit an Area WIC Clinic.

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