ALBANY — New York is updating its nutrition program to offer healthier options and discourage obesity among low-income women, infants and children.

State health officials say whole grains, fruit, vegetables, tofu and brown rice will now be encouraged under the program that’s traditionally provided less healthy options like white bread and whole milk.

WIC is a supplemental nutrition program for pregnant and postpartum women and children under age 5. It was started in 1974 to prevent child hunger, low birth weight, under-nutrition and iron deficiency anemia.

Since the program was created, dietary recommendations have changed in New York, but WIC offerings haven’t — until now. All states will be required to meet the new WIC food requirements by October 2010.