05-2969. Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

February 11, 2005.

The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. Comments regarding (a) Whether the 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 burden including the validity of 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 through the use of appropriation automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology should be addressed to: Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), [e-mail] for fax [phone] and to Departmental Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC 20250-7602. Comments regarding these information collections are best assured of having their full effect if received within 30 days of this notification. Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by calling [phone].

An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number and the agency persons are not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

Food and Nutrition Service

Title: WIC Local Agency Directory.

OMB Control Number: 0584-0431.

Summary of Collection: The Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is authorized by section 17 of the Child Nutrition Act (CNA) of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786), as amended. The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of USDA administers the WIC Program by awarding cash grants to State agencies (generally State health departments). The State agencies award subgrants to local agencies (generally local health departments and nonprofit organizations) to deliver program benefits and services to eligible participants. Local agencies authorized to furnish WIC participants with supplemental foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding promotion and support activities and referral to related health services are subject to change. New local agencies may be selected to operate the WIC Program and local agencies already in operation may be disqualified for continued operation. FNS will collect information using form FNS-648 to report additions and deletions of local agencies operating the WIC program and local agency address changes, when such changes occur.

Need and Use of the Information: The FNS will collect information to maintain a local agency directory that lists the names and addresses of all WIC local agencies. The WIC local agency directory services as the primary source of data on the number and location of local agencie4s and is published annually. It is used to refer individuals to the nearest source of WIC Program services and to maintain continuity of program services to migrant and other transient participants.

Description of Respondents: State, local, or tribal government.

Number of Respondents: 88.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.

Total Burden Hours: 15.

Ruth Brown,

Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.