[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 37 (Tuesday, February 25, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 8419]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-4583]


      
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 Notices
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  Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 37 / Tuesday, February 25, 1997 / 
Notices  

[[Page 8419]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Food and Consumer Service


Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; 
Comment Request: National Survey of WIC Participants and Their Local 
Agencies (NSWP)

AGENCY: Food and Consumer Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this 
notice invites the general public and other public agencies to comment 
on proposed information collection of the National Survey of WIC 
Participants and Their Local Agencies (NSWP).

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by April 28, 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 OMB approval. All comments will also become a matter of 
public record.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information 
should be directed to Michael E. Fishman, (703) 305-2117.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    Title: National Survey of WIC Participants and Their Local Agencies 
(NSWP).
    OMB Number: Not yet assigned.
    Expiration Date: N/A.
    Type of Request: New collection of information.
    Abstract: This study will survey a nationally representative sample 
of WIC participants through personal interviews at the time of WIC 
certification in order to better respond to congressional inquiries and 
strengthen FCS data used for budgetary and legislative estimates as 
well as monitoring and planning for the WIC Program. It will also 
provide a nationally representative estimate of case error and dollar 
error in current WIC certification processes through in-home income 
verification interviews.
    The study's data collection component is comprised of:
    1. Collecting income and other demographic information through in-
person interviews at the time of WIC certification, with a nationally 
representative sample of 3,000 WIC participants consisting of 
approximately 600 individuals in each WIC certification category. These 
categories are pregnant women, breastfeeding women, postpartum women, 
infants up to the age of twelve months, and children under five years 
of age. Parents and caretakers of infants and children will be 
interviewed.
    2. In-home interviews to verify income information obtained during 
the WIC certification process and other selected topics identified as 
of interest during the earlier in-person interviews, for example 
immunization documentation if not available at the time of WIC 
certification. Verification interviews will be conducted with 1,000 WIC 
participants.
    3. Follow-up telephone interviews with approximately 600 WIC 
participants with whom in-home income verification interviews were 
conducted. These interviews will gather data on changes in employment 
and income during the first four months following WIC certification as 
well as inquiring about the participants' experiences as part of the 
WIC Program. Special arrangements will be made to contact persons who 
do not have telephones in their homes.
    4. A survey of 100 local WIC agencies serving the study sample will 
obtain information on local operating procedures.
    Affected Public: WIC participants and WIC local agency 
administrators serving them.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 3,000 WIC participants and 100 
local WIC administrators. For infants and children, parents or 
caretakers will serve as the interview respondent.
    Estimated Time per Response: For 2,000 WIC participants, one 30 
minute response; for 400 WIC participants, one 30 minute response and 
one 45 minute response; for 600 WIC participants one 30 minute, one 45 
minute and one 15 minute response; and for 100 local WIC 
administrators, one 30 minute response.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden: 2,450 hours.

    Dated: February 14, 1997.
William E. Ludwig,
Administrator, Food and Consumer Service.
[FR Doc. 97-4583 Filed 2-24-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-30-U