AFFI Urges Support for Frozen Food Products in Government Nutrition Programs

Business Wire, Oct 20, 2008

MCLEAN, Va. -- The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) submitted comments last week to the Child Nutrition Division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) urging the inclusion of frozen products in the reauthorization of the Child Nutrition Programs and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC).

AFFI applauds FNS for recognizing the nutritional importance of fruits and vegetables in the diets of women and children, and encourages Congress and USDA to ensure frozen fruits and vegetables are as equally accessible as raw products in its nutrition programs. Furthermore, AFFI urges Congress and the agency to consider the myriad other frozen products that should continue to be allowed in USDA's feeding programs.

The frozen food processing industry has made tremendous advancements in recent years to improve the health and safety attributes of its products, which continue to be affordable, high-quality options for consumers and foodservice operators. In its comments, AFFI encourages USDA to take full advantage of the convenience, value, safety and nutritional benefits of frozen foods to efficiently and effectively meet the needs of both nutrition program operators and beneficiaries.

According to AFFI Interim President Robert L. Garfield, "School children and participants in the WIC program can benefit from learning that good nutrition can be achieved by consuming a wide variety of foods. AFFI's member companies are hopeful that Congress and the agency will recognize the innovation that has taken place within our industry and the value of frozen products as part of a healthy lifestyle."

The American Frozen Food Institute is the national trade association that promotes and represents the interests of all segments of the frozen food industry. AFFI fosters industry development and growth, advocates on behalf of the industry before legislative and regulatory entities, and provides additional value-added services for its members and for the benefit of consumers. For more information, please visit the website at www.affi.com.