[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 242 (Monday, December 16, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 66013-66014]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-31819]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Food and Consumer Service


Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; 
Comment Request--Assessment of the Implementation of Nutrition 
Objectives for School Meals Project

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 OMB approval of the Assessment of the Implementation of 
Nutrition Objectives for School Meals Project.

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by February 14, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Send comments and requests for copies of this information 
collection 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.
    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. All comments will also become a matter of 
public record.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael E. Fishman, (703) 305-2117.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    Title: Assessment of the Implementation of Nutrition Objectives for 
School Meals Project.
    OMB Number: Not yet assigned.
    Expiration Date: N/A.
    Type of Request: New collection of information.
    Abstract: The Assessment of the Implementation of Nutrition 
Objectives for School Meals Project will examine the food and nutrient 
composition of National School Lunch Program/School Breakfast Program 
(NSLP/SBP) meals currently being offered, i.e., meals planned in 
accordance with program guidelines and made available to participating 
students. It includes a comparison of the findings of this study with 
the findings of the School Nutrition Dietary Assessment Study (SNDA) 
conducted in 1992. More specifically, the study is designed to address 
the following major research objectives:
     Determine the average nutrient composition of USDA meals 
currently offered to students during a typical school week in 
elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools.
     Determine the primary food sources for the various 
nutrients.
     Determine the availability and nutrient content of low-fat 
(30 percent or less of calories from fat) meals.
     Determine the changes in the nutrient composition of USDA 
meals since School Year 1991-92 when SNDA was conducted.
    Data obtained from a nationally representative sample of about 
1,152 public schools (384 elementary, 384 middle, and 384 high schools) 
will be collected during the 1997-98 School Year to determine the 
progress School Food Authorities (SFAs) have made in implementing the 
1995 Dietary Guidelines for Americans in the NSLP and SBP. The Menu 
Survey Instrument will collect information on foods and portions in 
breakfasts and lunches offered during a target week. Data on the 
nutrient content of meals offered in the NSLP and SBP will be compared 
to similar data obtained previously in SNDA for School Year 1991-92. 
The School Food Service Characteristics Survey will obtain descriptive 
information on school food service operations.
    Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden is estimated to average 
5 minutes for State Child Nutrition directors; 5 minutes for School 
Food Service Authority directors; and 258 minutes for School Food 
Service managers.
    Respondents: State Child Nutrition directors will be asked to 
confirm name, address and telephone number of selected SFAs and 
directors. SFA directors will respond to a telephone survey. School 
Food Service managers will complete a mail survey.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 45 State Child Nutrition 
directors, 384 SFA directors, and 1,152 School Food Service managers.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: One.

[[Page 66014]]

    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 4,990 hours.

    Dated: December 6, 1996.
William E. Ludwig,
Administrator, Food and Consumer Service.
[FR Doc. 96-31819 Filed 12-13-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-30-U