Frozen Food a Practical, Waste-Reducing Nutrition Solution
Arlington, Va. – The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) today applauds the House Agriculture Committee for advancing the Farm Bill and thanks Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) for his leadership in strengthening food and agriculture policy in ways that support farmers, producers, and, most importantly, American consumers.
AFFI is especially supportive of the inclusion of provisions from the Supporting All Healthy Options When Purchasing Produce (SHOPP) Act, previously introduced in both the House and Senate with bipartisan support. These provisions strengthen the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) by improving year-round access to frozen vegetables and fruits – and by waiving the federal match requirement in counties with high poverty rates.
“Chairman Thompson’s leadership ensures that families who rely on GusNIP-funded programs have greater access to frozen vegetables and fruits, which are frozen within hours of harvest and have the same nutrition as fresh,” said Alison Bodor, AFFI President and CEO. “As the federal administration calls for Americans to embrace whole food nutrition, frozen vegetables and fruits offer a proven, practical solution that supports healthy eating while recognizing how Americans actually shop, store and prepare food.”
With a long shelf life, frozen foods also save consumers money because less food goes to waste at home. There is also less waste of frozen food throughout the distribution channel. Frozen fruits and vegetables empower consumers to meet dietary recommendations regardless of season, location, or budget.
AFFI also thanks the House and Senate sponsors and co-sponsors of the SHOPP Act for their bipartisan leadership in ensuring that federal nutrition programs reflect the full range of nutritious, accessible food options available to consumers.
“We look forward to working with Chairman Thompson, Committee members, and Senate partners to advance a Farm Bill that strengthens nutrition programs, supports U.S. agriculture, and delivers meaningful benefits to American families,” Bodor concluded.
