Government Action Summit

Pre-Meeting with AFFI Membership

Government Action Summit attendees will hear from Beltway insiders and other expert speakers on topics at the intersection of frozen food and policy.

Session 1: Frozen’s Role in Food and Nutrition Security

Various influencers are defining frozen’s role in building a healthier future and whether or not consumers have access to frozen foods via federally-funded feeding programs. This discussion will focus on how frozen foods are perceived Inside the Beltway, with food influencers, and how collectively we as an industry can overcome barriers to ensuring food access for all. Attendees will leave with an understanding of AFFI’s advocacy efforts on this topic and feel empowered to engage, both at a local and federal level, on this issue.

• Moderator: Brandon Lipps, Principal, Caprock Strategies
• Panelist: Jada Hoerr, Chief Resource Officer, Midwest Food Bank
• Panelist: Lacy Pitts, Legislative Aide, Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS)
• Panelist: Jennifer Tiller, Deputy Staff Director, House Agriculture Committee

Session 2: Focus on Food Safety and FDA Reform

A recent independent report commissioned by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) recommended structural changes to the agency’s human foods program. This report is part of an ongoing policy discussion regarding the efficacy of FDA’s current structure and ability to support a modern, risk-based food safety program. In this conversation, AFFI will be joined by a diverse group of stakeholders within the regulated community for a discussion of the perspective in Congress on FDA reform.

• Moderator: Dr. Donna Garren, Executive Vice President of Science and Policy, AFFI
• Panelist: Brian Ronholm, Director of Food Policy, Consumer Reports
• Panelist: Mike Taylor, Former Deputy Commissioner of Foods and Veterinary Medicine, FDA