Beginning Oct. 1, new Food and Nutrition Services applicants to the Haywood County Department of Social Services will likely see longer wait times to complete the application process and possibly receive benefits, as the department begins implementation of a new statewide computer database. 

The system, called NC FAST, is an automated tool that is coming online in stages across the state. NC FAST is designed to improve the way the N.C. Dept. of Health and Human Services and the 100 county DSS offices conduct business with clients. NC FAST will use technological and business processes that will eventually allow DSS staff to spend less time performing administrative tasks and more time providing direct assistance to families.

Once in place, NC FAST is expected to allow DSS workers to access ...