WIC Recipes

August 2021

Cooking With WIC Foods

2022-08-26T00:08:16+00:00August 13th, 2021|Categories: Recipes, Texas WIC|Tags: , , |

VEGGIE OPEN-FACED SANDWICH ON WHOLE WHEAT

Cooking with WIC foods is fun for the whole family. Here is a twist on a classic American favorite – grilled cheese. 

Texas WIC is a nutritional assistance program that provides free counseling and monthly food packages for moms and their children up to age five. The program helps ensure children get a healthy start in life. Each month WIC clients get access to FREE nutritional foods.

The recipe below uses WIC foods like whole wheat bread, cheese and vegetables. It’s a great way to get multiple healthy ingredients in one meal. Plus, it’s super easy and quick to make, something every mother will love. In a few easy steps you can have this meal ready for a weekend lunch or quick family dinner.

VEGGIE OPEN FACED SANDWICH ON WHOLE WHEAT

2 pieces of Whole Wheat Bread Enough cheese slices to cover top of toast, use whatever flavor you like

1/2 Onion,

sliced ½ Bell Pepper, sliced

1 tablespoon of Olive Oil

Add olive oil to pan on medium heat. Add sliced onions and bell pepper and cook until tender. Lay bread on a baking sheet. Add cheese on top. Add cooked veggies on top of cheese. Cook in oven at 355 degrees for about 10 to 15 minutes until toast is golden brown and cheese is melted.  Get your WIC foods at any Grocery Services North location in Dallas, Waco, Tyler, and Longview. Grocery Services North offers WIC Grocery shopping in 1 easy stop. The stores carry baby formula, baby food, milk, cheese, yogurt, bread, beans and produce – all in an easy shopping format so you can get everything you need without all the hassle

July 2021

All About Peanut Allergies

2022-08-25T23:56:13+00:00July 12th, 2021|Categories: Child Health, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , |

Experts Give Advice About Peanut Allergies

The thought of peanut allergies may stir up some nerves for parents concerned about giving peanut butter to their little ones.  With a few tips and guidelines from pros, parents can be prepared to recognize any signs of an allergic reaction. Texas WIC provides a great online resource about food allergies, including how to spot signs of a food reaction, like hives, flushed skin or rash, tingling or itching in the mouth or other body part swelling in face or tongue, vomiting or diarrhea, stomach cramps, coughing or wheezing or dizziness or difficulty breathing.  

Even though parents may want to avoid exposure to peanuts out of fear of an allergy, experts offer some advice. Early exposure to peanuts (around 6 months of age) might actually lower the chances of developing an allergy, according to research provided by The National Peanut Board.  A great way to introduce peanuts to your little one is thinned peanut butter. After all you don’t want your little one to choke on peanuts, which are not at all recommended to be given to babies or toddlers.

According to Texas WIC: you most likely do not need to avoid the common food allergens while you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Introducing a common food allergen to your baby after 6 months is okay, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Offering foods containing ground or powdered peanuts may even lower his risk of developing an allergy. It does not increase the chance of your baby developing a food allergy.

PEANUT BUTTER IS A WIC FOOD

Peanut butter, a Texas WIC Food, is full of nutrition, including more protein than any other nut and more than 30 vitamins, minerals, fiber and good fats, according to the National Peanut Board.  To help offer up a few servings of peanut butter perfect for toddlers and adults here are a few recipes to try. Yogurt Cinnamon Peanut Butter Dip For Fruit The National Peanut Board offers great recipes online, including this one originally from rhubarbarians.com for:

FRUIT  KABOBS WITH YOGURT PEANUT BUTTER DIP

1 cup salted peanut butter* 1 cup plain yogurt 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (Omit for children 2 and younger) 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 10 large strawberries, hulled and sliced in half lengthwise 1 medium banana, peeled and sliced into 1″ slices 1/2 medium apple, cut into bite sized pieces 20 large blueberries Stir together the 1 cup of peanut butter, 1 cup of yogurt, 1 or 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup (depending on how sweet you’d like the dip), and the 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Set aside. Form your kabobs by piercing the fruit with the end of a skewer and sliding the fruit on. Continue adding fruit to your kabobs evenly until you have 5 full kabobs of fruit. Enjoy and have fun! Take pieces of fruit off of the kabobs and dip into the yogurt peanut butter dip. Note: If using unsalted peanut butter, add a small pinch of salt to the dip. Peanut butter is a popular WIC food.

Here is is one of our favorite recipes using peanut butter:

CINNAMON PEANUT BUTTER BANANA TOAST WIC Peanut Butter

1 slice whole-wheat bread, toasted 1 tablespoon peanut butter 1 banana, sliced Ground Cinnamon to taste Toast bread. Spread peanut butter on one side of toast. Place sliced bananas on bread in single layer. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Get all your WIC foods at Grocery Services North locations in Dallas, Waco, Tyler, and Longview. Our stores have bilingual clerks that gather all your WIC items during a one-stop shop without all the hassle of  searching for all your WIC foods.

 

March 2021

I’m Dying! A Guide To Coloring Eggs

2022-08-25T21:01:40+00:00March 29th, 2021|Categories: Kid Activities, Recipes, WIC Food|Tags: , , , , , , |

Coloring Eggs Is Fun.

Bonus: They Are A Healthy WIC Food

Dying eggs is the perfect kid-friendly activity. It’s also a great way to get creative and take a break from adulting. It’s a complete bonus that once you are done you have a super nutritious meal or snack ready to eat. Another Bonus: Eggs are also a WIC food. If you haven’t dyed eggs before (or even if you have and need a refresher), we have created a step-by-step guide with lots of pointers to help you make your eggs all your own. There are even a few tips to help make your colored egg one of the most creative around. At the end of all the fun, there will be lots of yummy recipes to try featuring boiled eggs as the main ingredient. So let’s roll up our sleeves and have some fun. Then, let’s eat!

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January 2021

Soup Is Great WIC-Friendly Meal For Kids

2022-01-04T17:43:27+00:00January 30th, 2021|Categories: Baby Food, Child Health, Meal Planning, Recipes, WIC Food|Tags: , , , |

Soup is a great meal for kids and toddlers. Let’s celebrate soup during National Soup Month.

Let’s Celebrate This WIC Friendly Meal! January is National Soup Month.

We can’t think of a better way to use WIC ingredients during cold weather months than to have a nice bowl of homemade soup, a very WIC friendly meal for  your kids. 

Texas WIC is a nutritional assitance program that helps women and their kids get healthy, nutritous foods. The FREE program also provides nutrition support, counseling and classes. To find if you are elegible, visit TexasWIC.org online to apply.

It can be hard for families to find time to get meals on the table. Soup is a one-pot meal that often doesn’t require a ton of work, but can spotlight a lot of healthy ingredients. Plus, not many foods offer as much comfort or nutrition than a nice warm bowl of homemade soup. 

WIC FOOD CLASS

Soup is also a great way for little ones to experience different food tastes and textures. Just make sure the ingredients are age-appropriate and soft enough for them to eat. Not sure if your child is ready?  Visit Texas WIC’s guidelines online to find out if your baby is ready for solids (like the veggies in the soup).   Texas WIC will also offer a Live Discussion class Feb. 3 about “Live Discussion on Table Foods and the Older Baby.”  You can enroll online

Visit the USDA’s MyPlate website for a little inspiration for recipes using WIC foods. One of our favorites was this one. It has vegetables and dairy and we think your kids will love this WIC friendly meal as much as you do. 

TRY THIS WIC FRIENDLY MEAL

Cream of Broccoli Soup II

Using pantry staples and frozen broccoli, this hearty soup can be made in 10 minutes. Use 1% or fat-free milk to keep it even healthier.

Ingredients

  • 1 package frozen, chopped broccoli (10 ounces)
  • 1 can carrots or mixed vegetables, drained
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10 ounces)
  • 1 1/4 cups 1% low fat milk
  • 1/3 cup grated cheddar cheese, low-fat (can use 1/4 to 1/2 cup)

In a saucepan, prepare broccoli according to directions. Drain off water. Add carrots, cream of mushroom soup, and one soup can full of milk to the broccoli. Stir over low heat until steaming hot and vegetables are cooked. Add cheese, stirring until melted. Serve hot. Refrigerate leftovers.

Don’t forget you can get your WIC foods at Grocery Services North. Visit any of our locations today for a unique WIC grocery shopping experience.

Plan Weekly Menu With WIC Foods

2022-08-26T10:36:02+00:00January 4th, 2021|Categories: Meal Planning, WIC Food|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , |

Save Time, Money by Planning Your Menus

Wouldn’t it be nice if you only had to think about what you were going to make for dinner once a week? You picked up all your WIC foods. Now what are you going to make?

Between changing diapers and making sure your tot doesn’t run headfirst into danger, finding time to get a healthy meal on the table can be a real struggle. You might find yourself opening the fridge at crunch time, searching for anything you can throw together that your family will eat.

We all know eating healthy is important, but dinnertime can creep up on you every single day. We have all been there. Give meal planning a try.

It can sound intimidating, but it can make feeding your family much easier. It doesn’t mean you have to spend an entire day in the kitchen or even buy up lots of ingredients in advance. It just takes a little planning, and you can save you lots of time and money.

Think of meal planning as a tool to maximize your ingredients in a way that will also help you make the most of your time. It just means you have to think ahead. 

MAKE A PLAN, KEEP IT SIMPLE

Pick a day once a week to write out a menu. Use whatever method you prefer, paper and pen, or even your smartphone. You can make your plan anytime when you have a little extra time (like after the kids go to bed).  This process won’t take long, and as you get familiar with the steps you will be planning with ease.

First, survey the ingredients you already have on hand. Search your pantry, refrigerator and freezer.

Use the ingredients you already have to come up with several dinner ideas you think your family would love. Next, look for the ingredients the recipes might have in common. No reason to cook the same thing twice. Cook once even if it means you have to cook more of the ingredient. For example, if you have two recipes with rice, cook enough for both meals. Store the cooked rice in the refrigerator until it is needed for the second recipe. In some cases, it might make more sense to freeze the extra ingredient you cooked. 

Leftover roasted vegetables can be eaten as a side one night and served on top of a whole grain rice bowl the next night. Leftover beans can also be used in a rice bowl. Roasted vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, onions and peppers are also great in an omelet the next day. 

If you have extra veggies sitting in your fridge at the end of the week, don’t let them waste. Toss them in a non-stick skillet to create a quick stir-fry.  

HEALTH COMES FIRST WITH WIC FOODS

When picking your recipes and ingredients make sure you are selecting healthy options. There are many tools online. One of our favorite sites is the USDA’s choosemyplate.gov

The website is a great tool to have at your fingertips when searching for tips to make a menu. On the site, you will even find pointers for eating on a budget. There are also some great recipes the entire family will love. Visit choosemyplate.gov/myplatekitchen/recipes to find a few to try this week.  

The USDA even has recommendations on how to plan meals. They suggest being mindful of using ingredients you already have, create a recipe list, think about your schedule for the week and plan to use leftovers. Use their printable calendar to help plan your meals. 

WIC FOODS, CLASSES

Texas WIC also offers guidance online. They even have online classes and explore topics such as “Cooking with Fruits and Vegetables” and courses for “Feeding Tips for Children 1-2 Years Old” and another course for 2-5 year olds. They also have a course on “Food Safety at Home” that could come in handy.

When searching for healthy recipes, you can also browse a collection provided by Texas WIC.  

The Texas WIC program is a helpful resource for expecting mothers and mothers of children up to age 5 years old. The program is 100% free to those that qualify. It’s aimed to help pregnant and breastfeeding mothers get a healthy start for their infants and children up to age five.

Texas WIC also helps you stretch your food budget. WIC recipients can shop for free WIC food such as fresh fruit and vegetables, milk, and even specialty formula.  To find out if you qualify, visit a WIC clinic or apply online.

RECIPES USING WIC FOODS

To get you started, here are a few budget-friendly recipes from the USDA’s ChooseMyPlate.gov you are sure to love. These recipes, using WIC food, are perfect to use in your meal planning this week.

The following recipe is credited to: Author, USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion. Black Bean Burgers. MyPlate Kitchen.

 

Black Bean Burgers 

  • Makes: 4 Servings
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes

Black beans and cooked rice are used as the base of these delicious burgers. Flavored with scallions, garlic and spices, these are sure to please the whole family. 

  • 1 can 15.5 ounce low-sodium black beans (drained and rinsed with cold water)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup cooked brown rice
  • 2 scallions (green and white minced about 1/4 cup)
  • 2 tablespoons Chopped fresh cilantro (or basil leaves or a combination)
  • 1 clove garlic (peeled and minced)
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano or basil
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 whole-wheat buns

Add beans to a bowl and mash with a fork until chunky. Add the egg and mix well. Add precooked rice, scallions, garlic and oregano, salt and pepper and mix until well combined. Divide the mixture into 4 portions and form each portion into a patty about ¾ to 1 inch thick. Place a large skillet on the stove on high heat.  When the skillet is hot, add oil. Add burgers and cook 4 to 5 minutes per side until browned on both sides and heated throughout. Place on a whole wheat bun.

Notes

  • Use old-fashioned rolled oats, leftover cooked barley or Panko breadcrumbs instead of prepared rice.
  • Serve with your favorite toppings such as lettuce, tomato, guacamole, salsa, low-fat cheese, or low-fat yogurt.

Source: USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion

The following recipe is credited to: Author, USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion. Spanish Frittata. MyPlate Kitchen.

Spanish Frittata 

  • Makes: 4 Servings
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes

This versatile recipe combines eggs, potatoes, and onion going from stovetop to oven for the finishing touch. Cut into wedges as part of a delicious breakfast, brunch or any meal.  

  • 2 russet potatoes (scrubbed)
  • 6 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion (peeled and chopped)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.  Put the potatoes in a non-stick skillet on the stove and cover with cold water. Turn the heat to medium-high and cook about 15 minutes until the potatoes are easily pierced with a knife.  Drain the potatoes well and set aside to cool. Then peel and cut into 1-inch cubes. Put the eggs, salt, and pepper in the bowl and mix well with a whisk. Return the skillet on the stove and turn the heat to medium-high.  Add the oil. Add onion and cook about 5 minutes until soft. Add the cubed potatoes. Pour the egg mixture over the potatoes and onions. Press down with a spatula to make an even layer and shake gently to prevent sticking. Lower to medium heat and cook about 7 minutes. Transfer the skillet to the oven and cook until the frittata is completely set, about 5 minutes.  Gently loosen frittata from the pan. Place a serving plate over the skillet and carefully invert the frittata onto the plate.  Slice into 4 wedges. Serve warm.

Source: USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion

December 2020

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.

November 2020

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.

September 2020