[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 239 (Tuesday, December 14, 1999)] [Notices] [Page 69684] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 99-31369] [[Page 69684]] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Food and Nutrition Service Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request--Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) Nutrition Education and Promotion Campaign AGENCY: Food and Nutrition Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Food and Nutrition Service's intention to request Office of Management and Budget approval of an information collection for the Food and Nutrition Service Nutrition Education and Promotion Campaign. DATES: Written comments on this notice must be received by February 14, 2000. ADDRESSES: Comments may be sent to: Judy F. Wilson, Director, Nutrition Services Staff, Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 502, 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 technology. All comments to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval. All comments will also become a matter of public record. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the proposed information collection forms should be directed to Gerry Howell, (703) 305-2568. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Food and Nutrition Service Nutrition Education and Promotion Campaign. OMB Number: Not yet assigned. Expiration Date: N/A. Type of Request: New collection of information. Abstract: Diet has a significant impact on the health of citizens and is linked to four leading causes of disease and premature death. Diet also plays a role in the development of other health conditions, which can reduce the quality of life and contribute to premature death. The Food and Nutrition Service plans to develop and launch a progressive, five-year nutrition education and promotion campaign that will convey science-based, behavior-focused nutrition messages about healthy eating and physical activity. These messages shall be formulated based on the most recent edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the Food Guide Pyramid. The primary target audience for this campaign is preschool and school-aged (age 2 to 18 years) children including those from culturally and ethnically diverse backgrounds, participating or eligible to participate in FNS nutrition assistance programs and their caregivers. Caregivers refers to parents or guardians, child care providers, after school providers, and teachers. Educational materials, public service announcements, an FNS mascot, central themes, a slogan, key messages and strategies that promote healthy eating and physical activity will be tested using focus groups and semi-structured short interviews. The focus groups will provide information about the acceptability of materials and products during the developmental process and on final products. Semi-structured short interviews will be conducted with FNS program recipients, staff, stakeholders and consumer volunteers at the State and local level to determine acceptability and efficacy of materials and products developed. Interviews will be integrated into other program activities as appropriate. Affected Public: Recipients of FNS nutrition education activities, State and local staff administering FNS programs, FNS stakeholders and consumers. Estimated number of respondents: For the focus groups, approximately 100 respondents. Approximately 100 respondents will be asked to participate in the short semi-structured interviews. Estimated Time Per Response: Focus groups of staff, stakeholders and consumers will average no longer than 3 hours. Semi-structured interviews of these same groups will average no longer than 15 minutes duration. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 325 hours. Dated: November 26, 1999. Samuel Chambers, Jr., Administrator, Food and Nutrition Service. [FR Doc. 99-31369 Filed 12-13-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-30-P