Agency information collection activities: Proposed collection; comment request,

[Federal Register: September 2, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 170)]

[Notices]

[Page 46749-46750]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr02se98-45]

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Food and Nutrition Service

Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request--Study of the Implementation of the School Meals Initiative for Healthy Children

AGENCY: Food and Nutrition Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Food and Nutrition Service's intention to request Office of Management and Budget approval of the Study of the Implementation of the School Meals Initiative for Healthy Children.

DATES: Written comments on this notice must be received by November 2, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments may be sent to: Alberta C. Frost, Director, Office of Analysis and Evaluation, Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302.

All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval. All comments will also become a matter of public record.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the proposed information collection forms should be directed to Alberta C. Frost, (703) 305-2117.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Title: The Study of the Implementation of the School Meals Initiative for Healthy Children.

OMB Number: 0584-0485.

Expiration Date: 10/31/2000.

Type of Request: New collection of information for second year of study.

Abstract: The Study of the Implementation of the School Meals Initiative (SMI) for Healthy Children is a three-year study designed to collect information needed to address current policy issues including those associated with the School Meals Initiative for Healthy Children and Team Nutrition. A major part of this study is intended to provide the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) with descriptive data on the status of School Food Authorities' (SFAs) implementation of the School Meals Initiative for Healthy Children and the changes that have occurred in the food service operations as a result of implementing this new regulation. FNS will examine trends in SMI implementation and characteristics of SFAs implementing certain elements of SMI and Team Nutrition.

A nationally representative sample of approximately 2,250 public school districts was selected in 1997 to participate in a three-year longitudinal survey which began in School Year 1997-98. Data is being collected from the SFA directors using a mixed mode approach of mail/ telephone surveys. The study combines elements of longitudinal research and cross-sectional surveys. A brief telephone survey of all State Child Nutrition Directors will be included each year. This request for OMB approval is for the second year data collection instrumentation only. A separate OMB package will be submitted for data collection instruments in the third year. Estimates of burden shown below are based upon field experience from the first year of data collection.

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Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden is estimated to range between 45 and 60 minutes for School Food Service Authority directors; and range between 20 and 30 minutes for State Child Nutrition directors;

Respondents: State Child Nutrition directors will be asked to respond to a brief telephone survey. SFA directors will be asked to respond to a self-administered mail survey with telephone follow-up.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 50 State Child Nutrition directors, 2,250 SFA directors.

Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: One.

Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 1,850 hours.

Dated: August 27, 1998. George A. Braley, Acting Administrator, Food and Nutrition Service.

[FR Doc. 98-23577Filed9-1-98; 8:45 am]

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