Senator Cornyn (Republican-Texas) and Senator Lujan (Democrat-New Mexico) introduce the SHOPP Act
Arlington, Virginia – Thanks to legislation introduced by Senators John Cornyn (Republican, Texas) and Senator Ben Ray LeJean (Democrat, New Mexico), Congress has created a supplemental nutritional assistance program to make it easier for Americans to consume produce. (SNAP) is one step closer to a common sense fix). Senate Bill S.2223, “Support All Healthy Choices When Buying Produce (SHOPP) Act,” ensures that certain major nutrition programs promote fresh and frozen produce for low-income Americans. Guaranteed to include. The American Frozen Foods Institute (AFFI) thanks Senators Cornyn and Lujan for their leadership in introducing this bill into the U.S. Senate on July 10. Crockett (D-Texas), HR 3127, has a variety of bipartisan co-sponsors.
The Supplemental Assisted Nutrition Program (SNAP) and the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) are important initiatives that help close the agricultural intake gap among low-income households. However, GusNIP, its Over-the-Counter Nutrition Promotion Program, and the USDA’s Agricultural Formulating Program currently only fund projects that support the consumption of fresh produce. The SHOPP Act amends and updates these incentive programs to ensure that frozen fruits and vegetables are given equal consideration in these incentive programs.
“SNAP participants who live in areas where affordable agricultural products are not available should not be forced to live without the nutrients they need,” said Senator Cornyn. “This measure will ensure that Texans have access to frozen fruits and vegetables. I urge my colleagues in the House and Senate to support this measure.”
“Whether rural or urban, SNAP participants are entitled to programs that meet their needs. It helps us to do that,” added Senator Lujan. “This law will improve SNAP and enact a simple solution to facilitate the consumption of agricultural products.”
Based on SHOPP law:
- The Secretary of Agriculture should consider GusNIP Program grant applications/projects that promote or encourage the consumption of frozen fruits and vegetables among SNAP recipients.
- USDA must allow frozen fruits, vegetables, and legumes to be included in the produce formula program. Only fresh fruits and vegetables are currently allowed in this program.
“Frozen food brings many benefits to families and helps make mealtime easier and more accessible. It helps us increase our consumption of agricultural products thanks to our fruits and vegetables,” said AFFI President and CEO Alison Bodo. “We urge Congress to act now under the SHOPP Act so families can enjoy fruits and vegetables.”
A recent study found that, in addition to offering nutritious produce options year-round, frozen food has a longer shelf life and can be cooked as needed, reducing food waste to SNAP-eligible households. was also found to help reduce According to the survey, 86% of SNAP shoppers said they can’t afford to waste food financially and that frozen foods help them save money because they allow food to last longer without the risk of spoilage. It became clear that there is
About AFFI
The American Frozen Food Institute is a member-driven national trade association representing all sectors of the frozen food supply chain, from manufacturers to suppliers to distributors. AFFI advocates on behalf of the industry before legislative and regulatory bodies, acts as an industry advocate, and convenes industry leaders to create an environment in which frozen foods are essential in today’s dynamic market. . www.affi.org