Appendix D1 CN Invitation Letter

APPENDIX D1

INVITATION LETTER TO STATE AGENCY CHILD NUTRITION DIRECTORS

AND

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

APPENDIX D1. INVITATION LETTER TO STATE CHILD NUTRITION DIRECTOR

OMB Number: 0584-0562

Expiration Date: XX/XX/XXXX

XX/XX/2013

SUBJECT: Participation in the Special Nutrition Program Operations Study (SN-OPS)

SY 2012-2013 SY

TO: State Agency Child Nutrition Directors

The Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is requesting your participation in the Special Nutrition Program Operations Study (SN-OPS). The information for this study is being collected by Westat, a research firm in Rockville, Maryland for FNS. The SN-OPS is being conducted to understand and address the current policy issues related to Special Nutrition Program (SNP) operations.

The goal of this study is to improve the implementation of the Child Nutrition Program by examining:

• Data on the Child Nutrition (CN) program characteristics to help FNS respond to questions about the SNPs in schools;

• Data related to program administration for designing and revising program regulations, managing resources, and reporting requirements; and

• Data related to program operations to help FNS develop and provide training and technical assistance for School Food Authorities (SFAs) and State Agencies responsible for administering the CN program.

The topics included on the survey are state policies pertinent to Child Nutrition Programs, Resources and Finances, Operational Procedures, and Training and Technical Assistance.

The survey is designed to be completed in about 1 hour and 45 minutes by the State Child Nutrition Director. Once you complete the paper version of the questionnaire, please return it to Westat in the enclosed postage-paid envelope.

We ask that the survey be completed within 3 weeks, and that you keep a copy of the completed survey for your files. If you have any questions about this survey, please contact the Westat survey helpline at 1-888-202-1565 (toll-free) or by email: SNPOS@westat.com. You may also call John Endahl, the FNS Project Officer, at 703-305-2127.

Thank you for your assistance.

Signature (FNS PD)

Enclosed: SN-OPS Survey and Frequently Asked Questions

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 0584-0562. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 3 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information.

Special Nutrition Program Operations Study (SN-OPS)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q	Why is FNS conducting the survey?
A	This survey is being conducted to provide nationally representative information about Child Nutrition programs and programs available in public school districts. The goal of the SN-OPS is to understand the policy and operational issues surrounding the Child Nutrition Programs. Specifically, survey topics include the preparation of program budget, development and implementation of program policy and regulations, and identification of areas for provision of technical assistance and training.
Q	Who is invited to participate in SN-OPS?
A	This is a survey of 56 State Child Nutrition Program Directors and 1875 School Food Authority Directors. We are also visiting 125 SFAs and up to 375 schools.
Q	Why is participation by your State Agency important?
A	Your State Agency’s participation, while voluntary, is important because it is vital to the development of national estimates. Your cooperation is critical to make the results of this survey comprehensive, accurate, and timely.
Q	How long is the data collection period?
A	Because of the time sensitive nature of data that are being collected, we expect to receive all completed surveys within 6 weeks of initial mailing.
Q	How does FNS protect the confidentiality of the information that you provide?
A	Your answers may be used only for statistical purposes and may not be disclosed, or used, in identifiable form for any other purpose unless otherwise compelled by law. The federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the survey (OMB Number: 0584-0562. Expiration Date: X/XX/XXXX).
Q	Who should I contact if I have questions about the study or the survey?
A	If you have any questions about this survey, please contact the Westat survey helpline at 1-888-202-1565 (toll-free) or by email: SNPOS@westat.com. You may also call John Endahl, the FNS Project Officer, at 703-305-2127.