Important Update
The Government is open. Texas WIC is operating as usual, and WIC benefits are being issued like they always have been. There have been no changes to the WIC program.
Since talk began of a government shutdown, some WIC clients may be confused about the status of the WIC program. A government shutdown was recently avoided, and WIC is operating as usual. Congress is still working to get the government funded past mid November. While we can’t speak for WIC, we don’t believe there will be any impact to the program in the near future.
Lone Star Family Market stores are helping customers redeem benefits as usual. We are open for business. We hope to see you soon.
Halloween Deviled Eggs
Use WIC approved foods to make this fun Halloween recipe!
Ingredients:
6 boiled eggs
1 avocado
Green & Purple or Red food coloring
Paprika, Salt & Pepper to taste
Boil 6 eggs. Crack the shell of each egg all around with a spoon, but don’t peel them! Add the boiled eggs into a tupperware filled with water that covers all of the eggs, and add red or purple food coloring to the water. Let them sit in the fridge overnight to soak up the food coloring and give a spooky spider web effect. Peel the eggs and cut in half. Remove the yolk and add to a bowl along with a sliced avocado. Mix the yolk & avocado together and add green food coloring to enhance the color. Add a spoonful of the green mixture to each egg and top with paprika, salt & pepper.
Texas WIC Expanded Fruit and Vegetable Benefits Extended To Nov. 17th
Texas WIC has announced that the expanded fruit and vegetable benefits will be extended through Nov. 17th.
WIC clients are offered Cash Value Benefits through the WIC program. The extended benefits are:
- Children get $26 each month
- Pregnant, postpartum women get $47 each month
- Breastfeeding WIC clients get $52 each month
According to Texas WIC, all clients who receive benefits on or before November 17 will get the higher amounts for the entire month of November.
“if you are pregnant and have two children (ages 1-5) receiving WIC, you will get $99 ($47 mom + $26 child + $26 child = $99) each month in October and November to buy fruit and vegetables,” according to the Texas WIC website. “If you already have benefits on your card for October and November contact your local WIC office for a time to update your benefits.”
If changes are not approved by congress, the fruit and vegetable cash value benefit amount will return to its original levels on Nov. 18th. The original benefit levels are $12 for pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women and $10 for children ages 1 to 5.
Peach Smoothie
Sprinkle cinnamon on top of this tasty peach smoothie to make it the perfect fall treat while we’re still experiencing summer temperatures. Gather up these WIC-approved foods to make this refreshing treat.
DELICIOUS PEACHY TREAT
1 cup vanilla yogurt
1 peach, sliced (or 1 cup frozen peaches)
1 banana
1 cup milk
1 cup ice
Cinnamon (optional)
Blend the first five ingredients. Pour into a cup and sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon.
Thai Pasta Salad
Get ready to impress everyone with your cooking skills with this amazing Thai Pasta Salad! It’s bursting with colors and flavors that will make your taste buds explode. Not only is it super easy to make, but it’s also a great way to use up your WIC-foods in a delicious and nutritious way. Don’t wait any longer, give it a try tonight and surprise your family with a mouthwatering meal!
THAI PASTA SALAD
1 box of whole wheat pasta
1 cup diced red cabbage
1 cup diced cucumber
½ cup shredded carrots
⅓ cup diced green onion
Sauce:
½ cup peanut butter
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp soy sauce
½ cup water
Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, drain and set aside to cool. While the pasta is cooking and cooling, chop your veggies and make the sauce. Combine the sauce ingredients in a bowl and whisk together until smooth. Add all of the pasta, veggies, and sauce together in a large bowl and toss together. This recipe makes about 6 servings.