Frozen food business leaders joined for advocacy and Congressional outreach during the American Frozen Food Institute’s (AFFI) Government Action Summit. Held April 1-3, the Government Action Summit convened AFFI membership to call for practical policies that support the industry and share the nutrition and quality of frozen food. 

Industry attendees spoke with their Congressional offices about the benefits of frozen food, addressing how frozen food is a solution in nutrition access. Thanks to the use of freezing to lock in nutrition and flavor, the frozen food category provides accessible meal solutions, helps households reduce food waste, and offers variety for different dietary needs.  

In addition to highlighting the many benefits of frozen food, AFFI members shared specific policy asks, 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 SHOPP Act would amend and modernize the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) and Produce Prescription Program, which currently 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 equips the food industry with the tools needed 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 different companies provided foods and showcased the innovation and flavor found in the category. The event was attended by 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.”