Summer Smoothie Series: Coffee Smoothie
Delightful Summer Treat For Parents
Tired parents, listen up! Get ready to wake up and feel energized with this awesome coffee smoothie. Made with WIC ingredients + coffee, it’s the perfect way to recharge. Plus, it’s a refreshing treat you can enjoy any time of day. Just a heads up though, if you’re expecting or breastfeeding, remember to take it easy on the caffeine.
COFFEE SMOOTHIE
1 banana
⅓ cup peanut butter
1 cup of coffee, cooled to room temperature (you can use caffeinated or decaffeinated)
¾ cup of milk
1 ½ cups of ice
Blend & Enjoy!
Celebrating Labor Day Weekend: A Time To Recharge, Relax
Labor Day weekend is almost here! For Texas WIC mothers, this occasion offers a perfect opportunity to step back, recharge, and revel in the joys of this well-deserved break.
Honoring Your Labor
As a mother on the WIC program, you are engaged in one of the most important jobs of all – nurturing and caring for your precious family. This Labor Day, take a moment to recognize the labor of love you invest in your family every single day.
Quality Time with Family
Labor Day weekend extends the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with your loved ones. Whether you choose to have a picnic in a local park, organize a family barbecue, or simply have a movie night at home, cherish these moments together. Create memories that will last a lifetime and strengthen the bonds that make your family unique.
Relax and Rejuvenate
Labor Day weekend is also a prime time to practice self-care. As a devoted mother, you’re constantly putting the needs of others before your own. Use this break to prioritize your well-being. Whether it’s indulging in a soothing bubble bath, reading a book you’ve been meaning to delve into, or simply enjoying some quiet moments alone, remember that taking care of yourself is essential.
Embracing the End of Summer
As Labor Day weekend unofficially marks the end of summer, it’s a great opportunity to embrace the seasonal shift. Consider organizing a farewell-to-summer gathering with friends and family. Plan a potluck, where everyone brings a dish representing their favorite summer memory. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the past few months and welcome the autumn season with open arms.
Whether it’s spending time with family, exploring local gems, or simply enjoying moments of peace, embrace this opportunity to recharge and rejuvenate. Remember, your labor of love is worth celebrating, and this weekend is all about honoring the incredible efforts you put into your family every day.
Labor Day Recipe Ideas Using WIC Foods
Labor Day is a great time to enjoy delicious and hearty recipes with family and friends. Here are some recipes that you can make using WIC-approved ingredients, perfect for a Labor Day gathering:
CORN, TOMATO SALAD
Combine the following in a bowl:
Corn kernels
Diced tomatoes
Chopped cilantro
Red onion
Dress with a mixture of lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper for a refreshing summer salad.
CREAMY COLESLAW
Make coleslaw using shredded cabbage, grated carrots, and chopped apples. Create a creamy dressing using plain yogurt, a touch of mayonnaise, lemon juice, and a hint of honey (optional)
CARROT AND APPLE SLAW
¼ cup of Carrots, grated
¼ cup of Apples, grated
¼ cup of Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons of honey
2 tablespoons lemon juice.
Grate carrots and apples. Mix with Greek yogurt, honey, and a splash of lemon juice. Refrigerate and serve as a refreshing side.
Summer Smoothie Series: Berry Smoothie
BERRY SMOOTHIE
1 cup vanilla yogurt
½ cup strawberries, chopped (fresh or frozen)
½ cup cherries, pitted (fresh or frozen)
½ cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
1 banana, peeled
1 cup milk
1 cup ice
Blend & enjoy!
Cooking Up Memories: Getting Young Kids Involved in the Kitchen
The kitchen can be a fun place for kids and parents to spend time together. Parents can help foster a positive relationship between their children and food by letting them help in the kitchen. Kids ages 1 to 5 are curious, eager to learn and want to spend time together. Here’s a guide on how to get your little ones engaged and having fun in the kitchen.
Safety First
Before getting in the kitchen together, prioritize safety. Clear the cooking area of any hazards, like sharp objects or hot surfaces. Use kid-friendly utensils with blunt edges, and make sure to supervise closely during all kitchen activities.
Create a Kid-Friendly Space
Set up a dedicated area within the kitchen where your little chef can comfortably work alongside you. A step stool (depending on age) can make reaching the counter easier or using the kitchen table, allowing them to feel more involved in the cooking process.
Easy Tasks
Let them get involved in washing vegetables, tearing lettuce, or stirring ingredients. Praise their efforts and celebrate their accomplishments to boost their confidence.
Engage the Senses
Cooking is a sensory experience. Encourage your child to touch, smell, and even taste different ingredients. Allow them to explore the textures of flour, the aroma of herbs, and the vibrant colors of fruits and vegetables.
Texas WIC Returns To Offices
Texas WIC has resumed full program services at its offices.
On Aug. 10th, 2023 the agency returned to offering its full, regular services at its offices across the state. The agency was modified during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Texas WIC offers nutrition screenings, breastfeeding support, weighing and measuring pregnant women, infants and children to assess growth. Nutrition classes, counseling and even personalized referrals to other programs are part of their offerings.
The Texas WIC program is open to qualifying pregnant women, mothers and children up to age 5. It provides nutrition education, counseling and free food packages to help ensure children get a healthy start.
To learn more about the program or to apply, visit TexasWIC.org.