Counties across North Carolina continue to make headway toward the February 10 goal for eliminating backlogs of FNS (food stamp), with more than 1,100 additional applications processed on Tuesday.  According to DHHS leadership, the challenge this week has been for counties to maintain the momentum gained over the weekend. To assist in that effort, DHHS has deployed more than 290 staff across the state in regional processing centers, in county social services departments and in Raleigh to process claims and provide guidance on the ground as needed. With the February milestone just days away, DHHS staff has been working closely with counties not only to process cases, but to support management in identifying opportunities for improving work flow. As a county-administered system, local social services agencies are responsible for processing applications for FNS as well as Medicaid and other eligibility programs.  With the transition to NC FAST and a paperless system, counties are adjusting business practices to take full advantage of the new capability.  County and state staff will continue their work through the remainder of the week and into the weekend to resolve outstanding cases that remain to meet the USDA requirements for the February 10 deadline.