05-2277. Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

February 1, 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 appropriate 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] or 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 informs potential persons who are to respond to the collection of information that such 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: Child Nutrition Database.

OMB Control Number: 0584-0494.

Summary of Collection: The Child Nutrition (CN) Database is a necessary component in implementation of USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast (SBP): School Meals Initiative for Healthy Children final rule published in the June 13, 1995 Federal Register, Volume 60, No. 113. The overriding purpose in NSLP and SBP initiatives is to serve more nutritious and healthful meals to school children. FNS updated the regulations which established the specific nutrition criteria for reimbursable school meals incorporating the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) issued by the Food and Nutrition Board, Commission on Life Sciences, National Research Council for key nutrients, energy allowances for calories, and the most current nutritional standards as outlined in the Dietary Guidelines. FNS will collect information using a database that contains information on the nutritional composition.

Need and Use of the Information: FNS will collect information on (1) USDA commodities; (2) USDA Nutrient Database for Standard Reference food items which are used in the SBP and NSLP; (3) quantity recipes for school food service developed by USDA; and (4) brand name commercially processed foods. The information gathered for the CN Database is required to be used in software program approved by USDA for use in meeting the nutrient standards and nutrition goals of the Child Nutrition Program meal pattern. Both the States and program will use the information.

Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit.

Number of Respondents: 75.

Frequency of Responses: Report: Other (as needed).

Total Burden Hours: 2,300.

Ruth Brown,

Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.