[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 88 (Monday, May 6, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 20210-20211]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-11149]



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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Food and Consumer Service


Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed collection; 
Comment Request--Food Stamp Program Application for Stores

AGENCY: Food and Consumer Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this 
notice announces the Food and Consumer Service's (FCS) intention to 
request an extension of a previously approved information collection in 
support of the Food Stamp Program application from retail food stores 
who wish to participate in the program and for which approval expires 
on May 31, 1996.

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by July 5, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Send comments and requests for copies of this information 
collection to: Suzanne M. Fecteau, Chief, Redemption Management Branch, 
Benefit Redemption Division, Food and Consumer Service, U.S. Department 
of Agriculture, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302.
    Comments are invited on: (a) whether the proposed collection of 
information is necessary for the 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.
    All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the 
request for OMB approval, and will become a matter of public record.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Suzanne M. Fecteau, (703) 305-2419.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title: Food Stamp Program Application For Stores, Form FNS-252 (9-
93); Food Stamp Program Application For Stores--Reauthorization, Form 
FCS-252R (2-95); Food Stamp Program Application For Stores--Supplement, 
Form FNS-252A (8-94); Food and Nutrition Service Meal Services, Form 
FNS 252-2 (10-79).
    OMB Number: 0584-0008.
    Expiration Date of Approval: 3 years from date of approval.
    Type of Request: Reinstatement, with change of a previously 
approved collection for which approval expires on May 31, 1996.
    Abstract: The Food and Consumer Service (FCS) of the U.S. 
Department of Agriculture is the Federal Agency responsible for the 
Food Stamp Program. The Food Stamp Act of 1977, as amended (7 U.S.C. 
2011 et seq.), requires that the Agency determine the eligibility of 
firms and certain food service organizations to accept and redeem food 
stamp benefits and to monitor them for compliance and continued 
eligibility.
    Part of FCS' responsibility is to accept applications from retail 
food stores and programs that wish to participate in the Food Stamp 
Program, review the applications in order to determine whether or not 
applicants meet eligibility requirements, and make determinations 
whether to grant or deny authorization to accept and redeem food stamp 
benefits. FCS is also responsible for requiring updates to application 
information and reviewing that information to determine whether or not 
the firms or services continue to meet eligibility requirements.
    Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of 
information is estimated to average .29 hours per response.
    Respondents: Retail food stores and State or local governments.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 112,023.

[[Page 20211]]

    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden of Respondents: 32,482 hours.

    Dated: April 29, 1996.
William E. Ludwig,
 Administrator, Food and Consumer Service.
[FR Doc. 96-11149 Filed 5-3-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-30-P