[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 141 (Wednesday, July 23, 1997)] [Notices] [Pages 39497-39498] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 97-19276] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Food and Consumer Service Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request, Food Stamp Program Form FCS-521, Food Coupon Deposit Document AGENCY: Food and Consumer Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. The Food Stamp Act of 1977 (the Act) requires that all verified and encoded redemption certificates accepted by insured financial institutions from authorized retail food stores shall be forwarded with the corresponding coupon deposits to the Federal Reserve Bank along with the accompanying Food Coupon Deposit Document (Form FCS-521). Requirements in the Food Stamp Regulations are the basis for the information collected on Form FCS-521, Food Coupon Deposit Document. Dates: Written comments must be submitted on or before September 22, 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 has practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of [[Page 39498]] the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments may be sent to: Suzanne M. Fecteau, Chief, Redemption Management Branch, Food Stamp Program, Food and Consumer Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, Virginia 22302-1594. 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: Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection form and instructions should be directed to Suzanne M. Fecteau, (703) 305-2418. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Food Coupon Deposit Document. OMB Number: 0584-0314. Expiration Date: 9/30/97. Type of Request: Extension of a currently approved collection for which approval expires on September 30, 1997. 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, requires that the Agency provide for the redemption, through financial institutions, of food coupons accepted by retail food stores from program participants. Section 278.5 of the Food Stamp Program regulations governs financial institution and Federal Reserve participation in the food coupon redemption process. Form FCS-521, Food Coupon Deposit Document (FCDD) is required to be used by all financial institutions when they deposit food coupons at Federal Reserve Banks. Without the FCDD, no vehicle would exist for financial institutions, Federal Reserve Banks, and the FCS to track deposits of food coupons. Affected Public: Federal Agencies or employees, and businesses or other-for-profit financial institutions. Estimated Number of Respondents: 10,000. Estimated Annual Number of Responses per Respondent: 37.8. Estimated Total Annual Responses: 378,000. Estimate of Burden: Estimated to average .006944 hours per response. Estimated Total Annual Burden: 3,675 hours. Dated: July 10, 1997. William E. Ludwig, Administrator, Food and Consumer Service. [FR Doc. 97-19276 Filed 7-22-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-30-U