This submission seeks emergency OMB approval of activities associated with administering the Child Nutrition Emergency Operational Costs Reimbursement Programs. FNS cannot reasonably comply with the normal clearance procedures under the PRA because complying would delay the agencyâs ability to provide emergency funds to local child nutrition operators.
The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is requesting emergency approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) to collect information associated with implementation of the Child Nutrition Emergency Operational Costs Reimbursement Programs outlined in Sec. 722 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (the Act). The Act authorizes FNS to offer additional funds to State agencies administering the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) to provide local operators of those programs with additional reimbursements for emergency operating costs they incurred during the COVID-19 public health emergency. To participate in these reimbursement programs, State agencies must opt-in by submitting an application and implementation plan to FNS. The Act requires State agencies to opt into the reimbursement programs within 30 days of FNSâs publication of guidance, or February 25, 2021.
This submission is a new information collection request as a result of a program change required by statute. These one-time funds and the application process associated with them are new to Child Nutrition Programs and will add 1,234 hours of burden and 182 annual responses to OMBâs inventory.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.