New York's WIC program promotes healthier foods

Earlier this week, state Health Commissioner Richard Daines announced New York is the first to change its WIC food choices, now emphasizing fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

It is the first time the food list has been changed anywhere nationwide since the program's inception in 1974. WIC, which simply means women, infants and children, is funded through USDA grants.

In the past, foods available with WIC vouchers for pregnant and postpartum women and children up to age 5, were cheese, whole milk and other fatty fare. Orange juice, though high in vitamin C, was on the old list but provided too much sugar, experts now say.

Nutritionists are applauding the change because it brings the WIC program into the era of the food pyramid.