WASHINGTON — In the wake of Hurricane Florence, the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Sept. 21 announced “operational flexibilities” in North Carolina for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. North Carolina will be able to issue benefits remotely and waive certain nutrition education requirements in locations where offices are closed. The state also will be able to replace September food benefits damaged or stolen during the hurricane.

The waivers/changes were issued in response to a request from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Across the state, 22 local WIC offices were closed because of the storm, adversely affecting 60,000 women, infants and children, the U.S.D.A. said.

“Flexibility provided through the WIC program will make it easier for women and children to get much needed nutrition, ensuring they do not go hungry because of this terrible disaster,” said Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue.