[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 57 (Tuesday, March 25, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 14110]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-7516]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Food and Consumer Service


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

AGENCY: Food and Consumer Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this 
notice announces the Food and Consumer 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 May 27, 
1997.

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: Michael 
E. Fishman, Acting Director, Office of Analysis and Evaluation, Food 
and Consumer 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 Michael E. Fishman, (703) 305-2117.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    Title: The Study of the Implementation of the School Meals 
Initiative for Healthy Children.
    OMB Number: Not yet assigned.
    Expiration Date: N/A.
    Type of Request: New collection of information.
    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 Consumer Service (FCS) 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. FCS will examine trends in SMI implementation and 
characteristics of SFAs implementing certain elements of SMI and Team 
Nutrition.
    A nationally representative sample of approximately 1,750 public 
school districts will be selected to participate in a three-year 
longitudinal survey beginning in School Year 1997-98. Data will be 
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. On-site data 
collection activities to supplement the primary data collection efforts 
have been included as contract options in the second and third years 
should an issue need to be examined that requires direct observation or 
in-depth interviewing at the SFA or school level. However, this request 
for OMB approval is for the first year data collection instrumentation 
only. Separate OMB packages will be submitted for data collection 
instruments in the second and third years.
    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 
confirm contact names, addresses and telephone numbers of selected SFAs 
and 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, 1,750 SFA directors.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: One.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 1,775 hours.

    Dated: March 19, 1997.
William E. Ludwig,
Administrator, Food and Consumer Service.
[FR Doc. 97-7516 Filed 3-24-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-30-P