9/25: WIC nutrition program to be overhauled

The Tennessean: WIC nutrition program to be overhauled

The federal nutrition program for women, infants and children (WIC) will get its first overhaul in thirty years. With the changes, participants will be able to get fresh produce and whole grains for the first time.

The goal is to get people to eat a healthier diet by reducing saturated fat while increasing fiber and protein. That means participants will get reduced-fat milk instead of whole, fewer juices, fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables, and whole-grain cereals and breads. Also, the program supports breastfeeding mothers by giving them more items.

In 2008, the WIC program had more than 8.7 million participants each month. The changes go into effect Thursday.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Judge strikes down a portion of sex offender law in Alabama

ARKANSAS: Gov. Beebe says he won't play lottery, but Lt. Gov. Halter will

FLORIDA: CFO Alex Sink tries to rescind civil rights of ex-cons

GEORGIA: North Georgia under flash flood watch as more heavy rain expected

KENTUCKY: Jobless rate up in all Kentucky counties

LOUISIANA: More than 400 fugitives rounded up in 'Operation Big Easy'

MISSISSIPPI: Fight continues over Medicaid's coverage of speech therapy

NORTH CAROLINA: Residents asked to recycle by state

SOUTH CAROLINA: DHEC chief says putting governor in charge of agency would be a mistake

VIRGINIA: Former governor Douglas Wilder refuses to endorse anyone for governor

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