Comment Request - USDA National Hunger Clearinghouse Database Form (FNS-543)

Section 26(d) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 USC 1769g(d)) (the Act), which was added to the Act by section 123 of PL 103-448 on Nov. 2, 1994, mandated that FNS enter into a contract with a non-governmental organization to establish and maintain an information clearinghouse (named “USDA National Hunger Clearinghouse” or “Clearinghouse”) for groups that assist low-income individuals or communities regarding nutrition assistance programs or other assistance. Section 26(d) of this Act was amended again by PL 113-79 on May 20, 2021 to extend funding for the Clearinghouse through FY 2022 for $250,000. FNS awarded this contract to the hunger advocacy organization Hunger Free America on May 1, 2019.

The Clearinghouse includes a database of non-governmental, grassroots organizations in the areas of hunger and nutrition, along with a mailing list to communicate with these organizations. These organizations enter their information into the database, and Clearinghouse staff use that information to provide the public with information about where they can get food assistance. Surveys (FNS-543) will be completed online at www.hungerfreeamerica.org. Information from past collections will be used as an estimate for future data collection for FY 2021. From this information collection, the following information was determined: