Overview
Title
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection Comment Request-Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program Education (SNAP Ed) Connection Resource Sharing Form
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Food and Nutrition Service wants to make an online form better so people who teach about healthy foods can easily share their teaching materials. They hope the changes will let everyone get the information they need without making it harder to use the form, and they are asking for people's ideas on how to make it even better by a certain date.
Summary AI
The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the USDA plans to update an existing online form for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed). The form, called the SNAP-Ed Connection Resource Sharing Form, is used by SNAP-Ed personnel and nutrition education developers to submit educational materials for review and potential inclusion in the SNAP-Ed Library. The updates aim to improve data accuracy without increasing the users' workload. Comments on these proposed changes are invited by April 19, 2021, and may include suggestions on minimizing the form's information collection burden.
Abstract
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 this notice announces the Food and Nutrition Service's intent to request approval to collect information via an online form. This is a revision of a currently approved collection for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Forms: FNS-0625 Resource Sharing Form. This form update will help improve the submission process by clarifying the information requested for certain fields, thus providing data that is accurate and beneficial to stakeholders using the resource. These updates will also align with changes to the SNAP-Ed Program in the areas of evaluation and impact. This voluntary form is used by SNAP Education (SNAP-Ed) personnel and nutrition education material developers to submit materials for review and possible inclusion in the SNAP-Ed Library (formerly known as the SNAP-Ed Connection Resource Finder). The following materials may be submitted: obesity prevention education materials targeting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)-eligible persons; materials related to the development, implementation, administration and evaluation of SNAP Education (SNAP-Ed) programs; reports or other materials that demonstrate the effectiveness of SNAP-Ed funded programs; other materials developed by SNAP-Ed funded programs. The SNAP-Ed Library may be used by SNAP-Ed personnel and others to easily search for resources and to learn about the work of other SNAP-Ed programs. Revisions to this form will not add additional burden to users. Comments: Comments are invited on (a) whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of agency functions, including whether the information will 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 methodology and the assumptions 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 respond, including the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technology. Comments should be sent to the address in the preamble. All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval. All comments will become a matter of public record.
Keywords AI
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AnalysisAI
The document, issued by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the USDA, discusses the agency's intentions to revise an online form associated with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed). This form, known as the SNAP-Ed Connection Resource Sharing Form, is designed to facilitate the sharing of educational materials among SNAP-Ed personnel and developers for potential inclusion in an online library. The revisions aim to improve the clarity and accuracy of the information collected without adding any additional burden on users.
Summary of the Document
The primary focus of this document is to inform the public of FNS's plan to update the SNAP-Ed form, known formally as FNS-0625 and now referenced as FNS-889. SNAP-Ed personnel use this form to submit educational and program development materials for evaluation. The proposed changes will update several sections to enhance clarity, such as indicating which fields are required and simplifying the submission of web links. The FNS invites public comments to ensure that the revisions will truly optimize the functionality and usability of the form.
Significant Issues and Concerns
While the document outlines specific changes, it does not fully explain how these revisions will concretely improve data accuracy for stakeholders. There is a lack of clarity on why certain questions, such as those regarding Race and Ethnicity, were removed, potentially leaving gaps in understanding the broader impacts of these changes.
Furthermore, the technical jargon used in the document might be challenging for readers unfamiliar with SNAP-Ed or data collection procedures. This could result in limited public engagement and feedback. Moreover, the document does not discuss budgetary implications or costs related to implementing these revisions, which could be of concern to stakeholders responsible for such financial planning.
Public Impact
For the general public, especially those who rely on SNAP benefits and education, the document signifies an effort to streamline and improve the resources available through SNAP-Ed. However, the impact of these modifications will largely depend on how effective the improved form is in collecting and sharing valuable educational resources. These changes can potentially make the SNAP-Ed Library more comprehensive and easier to navigate, thereby enhancing the quality and accessibility of educational materials.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For SNAP-Ed personnel, the revised form could ease the process of submitting and finding materials. The improvements mentioned, such as the addition of "Required Field" labels and clearer instructions, are intended to make data entry more straightforward and reduce duplication in efforts. The revision also facilitates broader participation from various agencies by enabling the submission of different types of educational content.
Conversely, the revisions could pose challenges if they do not effectively address existing inefficiencies, leaving critical material submissions more cumbersome than intended. Moreover, educators and organizations may need additional training or guidance to adapt to these changes efficiently, which the document does not address.
In conclusion, while the proposed changes to the SNAP-Ed form reflect a positive step towards improving the SNAP-Ed Library's utility, the document lacks thorough explanations on how these updates will precisely enhance user experience and data accuracy. The public and specific stakeholders will benefit from more user-friendly and efficient forms, but the ultimate success of these revisions will depend on clear communication and the incorporation of feedback provided during the commentary period.
Issues
• The document does not provide sufficient information on how exactly the revisions to the FNS-889 form will improve data accuracy for stakeholders.
• The document lacks clarification on the budgetary implications or costs associated with implementing the revised FNS-889 form.
• The language used in describing the changes to the FNS-889 is highly technical and might not be easily understood by individuals not familiar with SNAP-Ed or data collection processes.
• There is no clear explanation of why certain questions, such as those about Race and Ethnicity, were removed from the form.
• The document does not specify how user feedback will be utilized to further improve the form beyond the current revision process.
• No concrete examples or case studies are presented to illustrate the current deficiencies of the form being revised.
• The description of the stakeholder engagement process is vague, particularly how comments will be reviewed and incorporated.