Starting on Oct. 1, North Carolina will make major changes to WIC, the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children.

There will be more choices to support healthy habits such as breastfeeding, and eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains while lowering the fat. And there will be more variety.

Whole-grain breads and cereals, tortillas, brown rice, fruits, vegetables and tofu are just some of the new items that will be available to low-income pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women, infants and children until the age of 5. The changes will encourage more breastfeeding. Women who breastfeed will receive more healthy foods than mothers who do not.

As concerns about growing rates of overweight, obesity and diabetes continue, health experts say an overhaul was needed.

"Originally, the WIC foods were meant to eliminate vitamin deficiencies. Today, it's more a problem of eating too much and not getting enough physical activity that we have to deal with," "The new foods follow the Dietary Guidelines for Americans," added Candace Davis.

In general, the foods available to the Moore County WIC participants will be higher in fiber and lower in fat. For the first time, selections such as tofu, brown rice, tortillas and a wider variety of beans will meet more cultural preferences.

At the WIC office in Moore County, families receive food instruments and cash-value vouchers along with recipes and tips on how to buy and use the healthier foods.

"The WIC Program is especially helpful to families in this economy," Davis said. "Parents want to give their children healthier choices like more fruits and vegetables, and whole grains. Now they can."

For more information, contact The Moore County WIC Program at 947-3271 between Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or go to www.nutritionnc. com and click on WIC.