97-15254. Notice of Request for Approval of an Information Collection

[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 112 (Wednesday, June 11, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 31779-31780]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-15254]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service
[Docket No. PY-97-006]


Notice of Request for Approval of an Information Collection

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Proposed Collection.

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SUMMARY: Notice; in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 
(44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), this notice announces the intention of the 
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) to request an approval of an 
information collection in support of the State Option Contracts (SOC) 
Program.

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by August 11, 1997.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Contact Connie Helms, USDA/AMS/Poultry 
Division, Room 3943-S, 1400 Independence Avenue S.W., STOP 0260, 
Washington, DC 20250-0260, [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title: Donation of Foods for use in the United States, its 
territories and possessions and areas under its jurisdiction.
    OMB Number: 0581-XXX
    Expiration Date of Approval:
    Type of Request: Approval of a new information collection.
    Abstract: Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Distribution 
Programs assist American farmers and needy people by purchasing 
commodities and delivering them to State agencies that, in turn, 
distribute them to organizations for use in providing food assistance 
to those in need. The commodities help to meet the nutritional needs of 
children from preschool age through high school in USDA Child Nutrition 
Programs and needy individuals participating in other domestic feeding 
programs.

[[Page 31780]]

    In accordance with the provisions of section 3A of the Commodity 
Distribution Reform Act (Act) and WIC Amendments of 1987 (7 U.S.C. 612c 
note) as added by section 1773 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, 
and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 1421 note) and 7 CFR part 250, USDA 
acts as the administering agency for the implementation and operation 
of the SOC Program. This legislation allows the Secretary broad 
authority to establish regulatory provision promoting accountability in 
the use of USDA commodities by Federal, State, and private agencies.
    This program was previously administered by the Food and Consumer 
Service (FCS). Effective school year 1997-98, the Agricultural 
Marketing Service (AMS) will assume the responsibility for 
administering the SOC Program.
    The collection of information for the program is currently approved 
under OMB number 0584-0293. The expiration date of this approval is 
September 30, 1997.
    The information collection and record keeping requirements in this 
request are essential in the administration of the SOC Program.
    The information collected is used only by authorized 
representatives of the USDA. The information is used to assure 
compliance with the Act and the provisions of the SOC Federal-State 
agreement.
    Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of 
information is estimated to average 2.00 hours per response.
    Respondents: State or local governments.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 20.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.00
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 40 hours.
    Copies of this information collection can be obtained from Connie 
Helms, Commodity Procurement Branch, at [phone].
    Send Comments regarding, but not limited to, the following: (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; or (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, to: Catherine V. Smith, Acting Chief, USDA/
AMS/Poultry Division, Room 3943-S, 1400 Independence Avenue S.W., STOP 
0260, Washington, DC 20250-0260.
    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.

    Dated: June 5, 1997.
Michael D. Holbrook,
Director, Poultry Division, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 97-15254 Filed 6-10-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P