The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) welcomed the introduction of new legislation in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives this week that makes produce consumption easier by ensuring the inclusion of frozen fruits and vegetables in nutrition incentive programs. The Supporting All Healthy Options When Purchasing Produce (SHOPP) Act was introduced on March 3 by Sens. John Cornyn, Ben Ray Luján and Tommy Tuberville and Reps. Mark Alford, Jasmine Crockett and Jahana Hayes.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) help lower-income households enjoy access to more fruits and vegetables. However, GusNIP, its point-of-sale promotion programs and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Produce Prescription Program currently only fund projects that support the consumption of fresh produce. With frozen fruits and vegetables, families can have year-round access to farm-fresh produce, reduce food waste and stretch their food dollar further.

“The SHOPP Act is practical, commonsense legislation that will help more households take full advantage of the benefits of frozen food and make healthy eating easier for busy families,” said AFFI President and CEO, Alison Bodor. “AFFI thanks the bill’s sponsors for its introduction, especially as we recognize the many positive attributes of frozen during Frozen Food Month.”

The SHOPP Act ensures equal opportunity for the promotion of frozen fruits and vegetables alongside their non-frozen counterparts in nutrition incentive programs, without any added cost. The legislation would amend GusNIP and the USDA’s Produce Prescription Program to require that:

• The Secretary of Agriculture must consider GusNIP program grant applications/projects that promote or incentivize frozen fruit and vegetable consumption among SNAP participants.
• USDA must allow frozen fruits, vegetables and legumes to be included in the Produce Prescription Program. The program currently allows only fresh fruits and vegetables.

A 2022 survey of SNAP-eligible respondents revealed that frozen fruits and vegetables make it easier for them to eat more produce and save money. Frozen food is a crucial component of healthy eating and supports the Congressional and Trump administration’s goal of advancing public health.

“Freezing is nature’s pause button, capturing taste and nutrition at the peak of ripeness,” Bodor said. “Not only does the prolonged shelf-life mean reduced food waste opportunities, but it is also easy to prepare and accessible to all Americans, no matter where they live.”

This is a continuation of legislation first introduced in the 118th Congress. Its predecessors, H.R. 3127 and S.2223, gained bipartisan support in both the House and Senate. 

About AFFI
The American Frozen Food Institute is the member-driven national trade association representing all segments of the frozen food supply chain from manufacturers to suppliers and distributors. AFFI advocates before legislative and regulatory entities on the industry’s behalf, serves as the voice for the industry and convenes industry leadership to create an environment where frozen foods are essential in a dynamic marketplace.