Ways To Save Money This Summer
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 Lone Star Family Market locations are usually really really close to WIC clinics. Sometimes they are even next door. Find a PWIC store near you at LoneStarFamilyMarket.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, Lone Star Family Market locations accept WIC and SNAP EBT.
Using programs like WIC for food benefits will help you save money on food. Plus, PWIC stores like Lone Star Family Market 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. For more tips on meal planning, see 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.
Visit These Lone Star Family Market Locations July 4th
Select Lone Star Family Market locations will open July 4th to help WIC clients needing to access their benefits the first week of the month.
The following stores will open 9 AM to 3 PM Monday July 4th:
- Lone Star Family Market at 8756 Research Blvd., Austin, TX 78758
- Lone Star Family Market at 512 W. Stassney Lane, Austin, TX 78745
- Lone Star Family Market at 7110 Cameron Road, Austin, TX 78752
Everyone at Lone Star Family Market wishes you and your family a happy and safe July 4th.
Looking for recipes using WIC foods for a perfect for your July 4th weekend celebration? Check out our blog.
Benefits Of Shopping WIC at Lone Star Family Market
Do you find that shopping for WIC products seems frustrating? Get all your WIC-approved groceries at Lone Star Family Market.
Shopping WIC at Lone Star Family Market is easier and faster than what you are probably used to at bigger stores. Our primary focus is WIC clients, so customers get the personalized service and attention they deserve.
Stop wasting time and find out how easy WIC grocery shopping can be.
6 Benefits Of WIC Shopping At Lone Star Family Market
Friendly, Bilingual Staff
Our staff caters to WIC clients. They are familiar with the WIC program and can help answer your questions. They are bilingual – speaking both English and Spanish – for even added ease to your shopping experience. Plus, some of our staff have even been WIC clients. Because Lone Star Family Market caters to WIC clients, you are in a no-judgment zone.
Everything In The Store is WIC Approved
WIC clients won’t have to waste time searching for WIC-approved items. Everything is WIC approved. Plus, because we focus on WIC groceries, customers don’t waste any time at checkout with items not ringing up as a WIC item. We know our WIC items are WIC approved.
Easy, Fast Shopping Format WIC Shopping
Lone Star Family Market locations are conveniently close to WIC clinics. Once you walk in you will discover an easy, fast shopping format geared specifically to WIC shoppers. You don’t have to search aisles. Just walk up to our counter, insert your WIC EBT card and our staff will walk you through the rest. You will have all your WIC groceries ready to go in minutes.
We Know WIC
Because we cater to WIC customers, we are very familiar with the WIC program. Our staff can help answer any questions you may have, and Lone Star Family Market has contacts with WIC staff in case there is a specific need that arises. We are here to help.
Personal Shopping Help
You aren’t shopping alone at Lone Star Family Market. You get personalized attention from the moment you walk in the door. You won’t feel overwhelmed with getting your WIC groceries. Our staff gathers all the WIC items for you as you select them and rings them up. The process is easy and fast.
Everything You Need In One Stop
Lone Star Family Market has everything you need in one place. You won’t have to go from store-to-store looking for everything you need. Visit any of our locations in Austin, Round Rock and San Marcos today to find out how easy WIC grocery shopping can be. LoneStarFamilyMarket.com/locations.
Looking For Fun Summertime Activity For The Kids?
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 FOOD: 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 FOOD: 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 FOOD: VEGGIE PALS
WIC FOOD: VEGGIE PALSHaving 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 FOOD: 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 need WIC foods, visit a nearby Lone Star Family Market store to get all your WIC foods in one easy stop. Lone Star Family Market locations are located near WIC offices to make it super convenient for clients to get everything they need.
There are locations in Austin, Round Rock and San Marcos. Visit online to find a store near you.
Visit our blog for more recipes using WIC foods.
Add Sparkle To Your Memorial Day Menu Using WIC Foods
Looking to add a little something festive to your Memorial Day Weekend menu? Here are a few recipes that add a little something extra to round out your holiday using WIC foods.
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.
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!
LONE STAR FAMILY MARKET CATERS TO WIC CLIENTS
Get all your WIC foods in one easy stop at any Lone Star Family Market location in Austin, Round Rock and San Marcos. To find a location near you visit us here.