State and county workers across North Carolina have reduced the backlog of FNS cases  (food stamps) by just over 72 percent in the last 10 days, ensuring benefits for thousands of families.  As of Monday, February 3, there were a total of 6,742 outstanding FNS applications and recertifications statewide, compared to 23,415 total cases reported on January 23. "I am extremely proud of the collaboration between our DHHS staff, county DSS agencies, county administrators and the General Assembly to see that families are getting the help they need," said DHHS Secretary Aldona Wos. In its January 23, 2014 memo, the USDA mandated that the state eliminate all applications and recertifications pending over 90 days and to complete any expedited applications older than 7 days by February 10. As of Monday morning, 55 counties had 10 or fewer pending untimely new applications.