E6-9238. Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

June 8, 2006.

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: National Hunger Clearinghouse Database Form.

OMB Control Number: 0584-0474.

Summary of Collection: The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is interested in maintaining and further developing an information clearinghouse (named “National Hunger Clearinghouse”) for groups that assist low-income individuals and communities concerning nutrition assistance programs or other assistance. Section 26 of the National School Lunch Act, which was added to the Act by section 123 Public Law 102-446 on November 2, 1994 (Appendix A), mandated that FNS enter into a 4 year contract with a non governmental organization to develop and maintain a national information clearinghouse of grassroots organizations working on hunger, food, nutrition, and other agricultural issues, including food recovery. This legislation was further amended on October 13, 1998 by section 112 of Public Law 105-336 to extend and increase funding for the clearinghouse (for fiscal years 2004 through 2009). The USDA National Hunger Clearinghouse uses state-of-the art computer and telecommunications technologies to connect the target audience, sharing information on effective program models, pending legislation and rulemakings, surplus and emergency food distribution networks, and USDA programs and policies. FNS will collect the information through fax, regular mail, e-mail, and the Internet.

Need and Use of the Information: FNS will collect information to provide a resource for groups that assist low-income individuals or communities regarding nutrition assistance program or other assistance. The information provided by the Clearinghouse database enables these groups to do a better job of assisting the target audience.

Description of Respondents: Not-for-profit institutions; Business or other for-profit; Farms.

Number of Respondents: 1,750.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Annually.

Total Burden Hours: 146.

Ruth Brown,

Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.