USDA seeking comments: Preparing for reauthorization

The Federal Register this morning contained a notice from the USDA seeking comments on the services of the food and nutrition service. From the notice:

SummaryThis notice announces a request for public comments to help senior officials of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prepare for the 2009 Reauthorization of the Child Nutrition Programs and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). USDA believes that public input and assessment of the performance of current programs--including WIC, National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, Summer Food Service Program, WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, and Special Milk Program--are essential to help the Department plan for reauthorization.

USDA intends to gather input that will help the Department better understand the needs and concerns of program cooperators and participants at the State and local levels, including representatives from State agencies, local program offices, industry, and State and local advocacy groups.
Commenters will be asked to address, but not be limited to, issues related to specific aspects of WIC, the WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program, National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, Summer Food Service Program, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, and Special Milk Program. Key among these are: Strengthening program management and improving nutrition services, Ensuring that all eligible persons have access to program benefits, and Advancing technology and innovation. Electronic Access and Filing Addresses USDA invites interested persons to submit written comments electronically or by postal mail. To be assured of consideration, written comments must be received on or before October 15, 2008. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods: Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments electronically.