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December 2022

WIC Inspired Recipes – Corn Chowder

2022-12-06T14:07:18+00:00December 6th, 2022|Categories: Meal Planning, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping|Tags: , , , , , , , , , |

Everyone seems to be talking about corn these days. With the viral song about corn, it seems most of us can appreciate the vegetable for it’s sweetness and versatility. Corn just seems to go with everything! This hearty corn chowder recipe is sure to keep your family warm this fall and winter. It’s so tasty and comforting, you may find yourselves going back for a second serving!

CORN CHOWDER

2 tablespoons butter

4 slices of bacon (optional)

1 onion 

2 celery stalks 

1 bell pepper

1 jalapeno 

1 large carrot 

3 medium potatoes 

6 ears of corn

5 cups milk

1 bay leaf

Salt & Pepper

Smoked Paprika

Green onion

Peel potatoes and dice along with onion, celery, carrot, bell pepper, and jalapeno.  Shuck the husks off the corn and slice corn kernels off of the cobs, then save the cobs for later. (You can also use canned or frozen corn to skip this step! But you’ll want to add the corn in with the rest of the veggies to get more corn flavor) Slice some green onion & shred some cheese to top off each bowl of corn chowder if you like!

Place butter and bacon into a large, heavy-bottomed soup pot. Heat on medium high heat until the bacon renders its fat, about 5 minutes.

Cook the vegetables (except the corn and potatoes):

Add the chopped onions, celery, bell pepper, jalapeno, and carrot, and lower the heat to medium and cook until vegetables are well softened, about 10 minutes.

Break the corn cobs in half (after you’ve stripped off the corn) and add the cobs to the pot. Add the milk and the bay leaf. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to medium. Cover the pot and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

After 20 minutes, discard the cobs and the bay leaf. Add the potatoes, corn, salt, pepper, and paprika to the pot. Increase the heat to return the soup to a simmer, then lower the heat to maintain the simmer and cook for another 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender. Stir often to prevent milk from curdling. Add more salt, pepper, and paprika to taste, and add a little shredded cheese and sliced green onion on top of each bowl when serving. Enjoy!

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August 2022

WIC Breakfast Foods

2022-12-05T14:49:44+00:00August 17th, 2022|Categories: Recipes, Texas WIC, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping|Tags: , , , , , |

Breakfast Recipes With WIC Foods Good Enough To Eat All Day

Some might say breakfast is the best meal of the day. 

Texas WIC offers many healthy breakfast foods for pregnant women and children to help get the day off to a great start. But it is also a great way to end a day. Here are some examples of healthy WIC foods that make the best breakfast ingredients, no matter when you eat them.

Eggs , Whole Wheat Bread, Whole Wheat Tortillas, Fruit, Vegetables, Cereal, Oatmeal, Milk, Fruit Juice, Cheese, Yogurt are all part of the Texas WIC program.

These foods are healthy and great served individually. Combine to make some of the best breakfast foods: omelets, tacos, breakfast sandwiches, smoothies and more. But changing it up is always fun. Here are a few WIC breakfast foods with a twist your family will love

BREAKFAST QUESADILLA

2 Whole Wheat Tortilla

2 large eggs

¼ cup shredded cheese

1 teaspoon butter

Cooking spray

Salsa

Sliced Avocado

Crack eggs in a bowl and whisk. Spray skillet with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Put eggs in a pan and cook for about 5 minutes. Put eggs on a plate. Wipe pan clean. Lightly butter one side of the tortilla. Place butter side down in the pan. Put ½ of the scrambled eggs on top of the tortilla and add half of the cheese and fold the tortilla in half.  Cook on each side until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese has melted, about 3 minutes. Repeat to make a second tortilla. Serve with salsa and sliced avocado.

PEANUT BUTTER, BANANA OVERNIGHT OATS

½ cup old fashioned rolled oats

½ cup milk

1/4 cup plain yogurt 

1 teaspoons maple syrup or honey

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional

pinch of salt

1 tablespoon peanut butter

Sliced bananas

Add oats, milk, yogurt, maple syrup and salt and ½ tablespoon of the peanut butter into a container with an air-tight lid. Stir. Place in the fridge overnight. The next morning, remove the lid. Stir oats and add a splash of milk. Top with remaining peanut butter and slice bananas. Overnight oats can remain in the fridge for up to 5 days in a sealed container. 

For all your WIC groceries, visit any Grocery Services North location in Dallas, Waco, Tyler, and Longview. Grocery Services North caters to WIC clients by providing an easy shopping experience and format to get all your WIC foods in one easy stop. SNAP also accepted. Find a location near a WIC clinic near you, groceryservicesnorth.com/locations.

 

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Easy, Fast Breakfast Or Snack With WIC Foods

2022-08-26T20:09:38+00:00August 17th, 2022|Categories: Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , , , |

Seems like we are always in a rush. Looking for a quick and easy breakfast or snack? This one is perfect for you or your littles. It is made using only WIC foods: cereal, peaches and yogurt. Add a little dash of cinnamon for extra taste.

PEACH PARFAIT

1 cup Honey Bunches of Oats with Almonds (or any WIC cereal of your choice)

1 snack size peach cup

1 cup of peach yogurt

Sprinkle of cinnamon

Pour ½ cup of cereal in a cup. Smear ½ cup of yogurt on top of cereal. Add ½ of the peach cup on top. Repeat layers of cereal, yogurt and peach cup. Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Enjoy!

GET MORE SNACKS USING WIC FOODS

Get these and all your other WIC foods at Grocery Services North, a grocery store chain that caters to WIC clients. Find a location near a WIC clinic near you here. 

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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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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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May 2022

Family Meal Ideas

2022-07-21T15:12:15+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, including our newest store in Plano, TX. To find a location near you visit us here.

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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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Easter Fun For the Whole Family

2022-04-14T19:22:57+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. Another way to find a nearby egg hunt is to search on Google. Here is a search for you to see Dallas area egg hunts. Here is another search for Waco area egg hunts.

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.

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Quiches Are Perfect WIC Dinner

2022-08-26T02:53:12+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 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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