[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 131 (Monday, July 8, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 35707-35708]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-17262]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Food and Consumer Service


Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; 
Comment Request--Determining Eligibility for Free and Reduced Price 
Meals and Free Milk

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 (FCS) intention to 
request Office of Management and Budget (OMB) review of the information 
collections related to making eligibility determinations in the Child 
Nutrition Programs.

DATES: To be assured of consideration, comments must be received by 
September 6, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Send comments and requests for copies of this information 
collection to: Mr. Terry Hallberg, Chief, Program Analysis and 
Monitoring Branch, Child Nutrition Division, Food and Consumer Service, 
U.S. Department of Agriculture, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 1008, 
Alexandria, Virginia 22302.
    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.
    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: Mr. Terry Hallberg at (703) 305-2600.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

    Title: 7 CFR Part 245, Determining Eligibility for Free and Reduced 
Price Meals and Free Milk

[[Page 35708]]

    OMB Number: 0584-0026.
    Expiration Date: July 31, 1996.
    Type of Request: Extension of clearance for existing collection
    Abstract: 7 CFR Part 245, ``Determining Eligibility for Free and 
Reduced Price Meals and Free Milk'', sets forth policies and procedures 
for use by State agencies (SA) and local level organizations, 
administering or operating the child nutrition programs, in providing 
meals free or at a reduced price to eligible children. Under section 
9(b)(1) of the National School Lunch Act (NSLA), (42 U.S.C. 1758(b)), 
the Secretary prescribes income eligibility guidelines for free and 
reduced price lunches. Any child who is a member of a household whose 
income, at the time the application is submitted, is at an annual rate 
which does not exceed the applicable family-size income level of the 
income eligibility guidelines for free lunches, shall be served a free 
lunch. Any child who is a member of a household whose income, at the 
time the application is submitted, is at an annual rate greater than 
the income level of the income eligibility guidelines for free lunches, 
but less than or equal to the applicable family-size income eligibility 
guidelines for reduced price lunches, shall be served a reduced price 
lunch. Section 4(e) of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, (42 U.S.C. 
1773(e)) requires that breakfasts served to school children will be 
served free or at a reduced price under the same terms and conditions 
as are set forth with respect to the service of lunches free or at a 
reduced price in section 9 of the NSLA.
    Eligibility determinations are to be made by cross-referencing 
family income with family size. Section 9(b)(2) of the NSLA requires 
each SA to announce the income guidelines issued by the Secretary, for 
use by schools under the SA's jurisdiction. The information collection 
requirements of 7 CFR Part 245 involve the certification and 
verification of children as meeting these guidelines.
    Estimate of Burden: The reporting burden for this collection of 
information is estimated at 657,743 burden hours. The major areas of 
the reporting burden are attributed to the completion of applications 
for benefits by households; and notification to households by school 
food authorities utilizing direct certification that children are 
eligible to receive free meals; i.e., 289,717 and 160,521 hours, 
respectively. The recordkeeping burden is estimated at 369,782 burden 
hours. The review of applications and eligibility determinations by 
schools comprises the majority of the recordkeeping burden, i.e., 
215,332 hours.
    Respondents: State agencies, school food authorities, schools, 
households.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 8,298,688 respondents.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: .863 responses.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 1,027,525 burden 
hours.

    Dated: June 21, 1996.
William E. Ludwig,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 96-17262 Filed 7-5-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-30-U