Chef

By Alie Cantu, RDN, LD

In recent weeks we have all been affected by COVID-19 in more ways than one. Luckily, there are many resources that we can turn to for support during this difficult time. One of these resources is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, more commonly known as WIC. WIC aims to provide nutritional support for pregnant, breast-feeding, and post-partum mothers and their children up to five years old.

Here are a few WIC shopping tips, healthy cooking ideas, and more.

Shopping Tips:

• Before you go shopping, make sure to call your WIC Clinic if you need to schedule an appointment to load your benefits onto your WIC card. The San Antonio clinics remain open to make sure all participants and applicants are receiving their benefits and support.
• While you are shopping, make sure to use the myTexasWIC app to keep track of your monthly benefits, create a grocery list, and scan items to check if they are WIC approved. Although resources may be scarce in the aisle, the state WIC office has allowed for some temporary and permanent changes in approved items which the app can help you navigate through.  
• If you are not a WIC participant, it may be wise to double check the tag on the shelf and select non-WIC approved items. By doing this, you can help WIC participants find the items that they need.   

Healthy Cooking:

• During this stressful time, it’s important that we are taking care of ourselves and remaining fueled with delicious “quarantine cuisine” such as Egg Muffins, Three Bean Chili, or Apple Cheddar Quesadillas. These recipes can be made with WIC approved items and are tasty ways of staying healthy while at home. 

More Resources:

• Be sure to check out TexasWIC.org for all your WIC-related questions, to start an application for WIC, or for more recipes to try at home. Stay updated with the  City of San Antonio Website for any changes in services offered throughout this time.