Frozen food business leaders came together April 1-3 for advocacy and Congressional outreach during the American Frozen Food Institute’s (AFFI) Government Action Summit in Washington, D.C.
Attendees spoke with their Congressional offices about the benefits of frozen food, addressing how it is a solution in nutrition access. Freezing locks in nutrition and flavor, which helps the frozen food category provide accessible meal solutions, reduce food waste and offer variety.
In addition, AFFI members shared specific policy goals, including:
- Support of the SHOPP Act: Attendees called on Congress to co-sponsor the Supporting All Healthy Options When Purchasing Produce (SHOPP) Act in the House and Senate. The act would amend and modernize the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) and Produce Prescription Program, which either overwhelmingly or completely exclude frozen fruits and vegetables.
- Support a Listeria pilot program: AFFI members also asked Congress to require FDA to support a stakeholder-developed pilot project to generate data for evaluating new, effective sampling and testing procedures for Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) in low-risk, ready-to-eat foods. This would help the FDA create science-driven food safety policy that gives the food industry the tools to reduce Lm in the food supply.
“As the frozen food industry’s dedicated voice in Washington, D.C., AFFI is committed to driving the policies that advance the category,” said AFFI President and CEO Alison Bodor.
“Especially as there is a renewed focus on food and nutrition policy inside the Beltway, this is a pivotal time for frozen food makers to join us and share their voice and stories about the benefits of frozen fruits, vegetables, meals, side dishes and more.”
AFFI also hosted its inaugural Taste of Frozen reception at the Library of Congress, where nearly 20 companies provided foods and showcased the innovation and flavor found in the category. The event drew members of Congress and Congressional staff, key stakeholders in the food and agriculture sector and policy experts.
“The Taste of Frozen Reception demonstrated how the frozen food industry is a culinary powerhouse that provides peak-fresh ingredients and delicious foods,” Bodor said. “This year’s inaugural event brought together hundreds of food and nutrition policy leaders to experience first-hand the frozen advantage.”
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