SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the ( printed page 60574) methodology and assumptions that were used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Title: Turnip the Beet High Quality Summer Meals Program.

Form Number: Not applicable. There is an application and a checklist involved with this program.

OMB Number: 0584-0658.

Expiration Date: 11/30/2026.

Type of Request: Revision of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and National School Lunch Program (NSLP) Seamless Summer Option (SSO) were established to ensure that children and teens continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session. Turnip the Beet is a voluntary award initiative to recognize participating sponsoring organizations (program sponsors) that work hard to offer high quality, nutritious meals during the summer months.

The purpose of this voluntary recognition initiative is to encourage summer meal program sponsors to offer higher quality, nutritious meals that make a positive impact on children's healthy development. This information collection allows the Food and Nutrition Administration (FNA) to more accurately assess the quality of meal service in order to determine whether the individual sponsor qualifies for recognition, and at what level.

The Turnip the Beet award is presented at three levels (bronze, silver, and gold) to sponsors providing meals that are appetizing, appealing, and nutritious. The award is open to all program sponsors across the nation who are in good standing, including SFSP sponsors and NSLP/SSO sponsors. All nominated sponsors must be in compliance with SFSP or NSLP/SSO regulations, as applicable.

The sponsor must complete and submit an application form and submit one-month menus for all meals served, to their summer meals State agency contact. Menus should provide sufficient detail to judge whether they meet award criteria; for example, a menu should describe whether fruits and vegetables are fresh, frozen, canned or dried, as well as identify whole grain-rich and local food items. Sponsors may choose to submit other supporting documents to further demonstrate the quality of their meals, such as news clips about the program, photos, testimonials, or invoices of local food purchases.

The nominations will be submitted to State agencies, which have the discretion to choose their internal submission due dates. The State agency contacts will ensure the sponsor: (1) participated in SFSP or SSO in the award year; (2) is in good standing with no major findings or all corrective actions are complete and implemented; (3) was not found seriously deficient in the past two years, at the time of the application, and has never been terminated from the summer meal programs; and (4) provided menus that meet meal pattern requirements. The State agency can also provide an optional statement of support for the applicant.

All applications must be forwarded by the State agency contact to their Regional Office at a set date following the program year. FNA will notify the winners in writing early the following calendar year. Depending on the award level attained, sponsors will receive a certificate from FNA and will be featured on the FNA website.

FNA estimates that the burden for this collection will increase from the burden in the last renewal. FNA estimates that the number of respondents submitting nominations will increase by 66 respondents for this revision, from 186 to 252 respondents. That in turn will increase the responses by 100, from 300 to 400 responses, and increase the burden hours by 75, from 225 to 300 hours.

Affected Public: Businesses or other for profit/not for profit and State, Local, and Tribal Government. Respondent groups identified include Sponsors and State agencies.

Estimated Number of Respondents: The total estimated number of respondents is 252. For program year 2027, FNA expects nominations from 200 sponsors in 52 States and territories.

Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: The estimated number of responses per respondent across the entire collection is 1.59. Sponsors will voluntarily complete one nomination packet for the program year. State agencies will review each nomination received from sponsors in their respective states one time; State agencies are expected to receive an average of 3.846 nominations each.

Estimated Total Annual Responses: FNA expects 200 nominations from sponsors, which will then be reviewed by State agencies. The total annual responses are 400.

Estimated Time per Response: The total estimated time per response across the entire collection is 45 minutes (.75 hours). The estimated response time varies from 30 to 60 minutes per nomination, depending on respondent group. FNA estimates it will take each sponsor approximately 1 hour to complete the nomination form, compile other supplemental information, and submit the nomination packet to the State agency. FNA estimates it will take each reviewing State agency approximately 30 minutes to review each nomination packet and complete a one-page checklist to verify that the nominees are eligible for the award. The table below illustrates the burden on both sponsors and State agencies.

Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 300 hours. See the table below for estimated total annual burden for each type of respondent.

91 FR 60573