September 3, 2024
(press release)
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Arlington, VA – The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) kicks off National Fruits & Veggies Month by highlighting the important role of frozen food in closing the produce consumption gap. Currently, only one in 10 American adults are eating the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables a day, and nearly half of all children ages 1-5 don’t eat a single vegetable on a daily basis. Frozen fruits and vegetables are an important part of the solution. “National Fruits & Veggies Month is not just a time to promote the benefits of eating more produce, but to also spotlight the ways that we can all easily add more fruits and vegetables into our diet,” said AFFI President and CEO Alison Bodor. “By harvesting and freezing produce at the peak of ripeness, frozen food makers capture quality and nutrition of our favorite fruits and vegetables. No matter where you live or the resources available, frozen food offers a delicious and healthy option.” Year-Round Nutrition Fruits and vegetables are flash-frozen shortly after harvest, locking in the nutrients before distribution and retail. Studies show that frozen fruits and vegetables have the same nutrition as their non-frozen counterparts. Plus, with their longer shelf-life, these products are available year-round, no matter the geographic region. Easy to Enjoy Frozen food makes consumption more accessible for busy families. It comes peeled and chopped, so it’s even easier for households to incorporate fruits and vegetables at mealtime. Research finds that consumers who eat frozen fruits and vegetables eat more total fruits and vegetables than others. In a consumer survey conducted by AFFI, the vast majority (86%) of U.S. households agree that having frozen fruits and vegetables on hand makes it easier to eat more produce. Reduces Food Waste Nearly 40% of all food in the United States goes uneaten, reaching a value of $444 billion. Per person, this equates to almost 550 pounds of extra food a year that may go to a landfill and resulting methane gas emissions. Frozen food is a food waste solution. With its longer shelf life and ability to prepare only what is needed, consumers can reduce the opportunity for spoilage and uneaten leftovers. In fact, a 2023 critical review conducted by Cornell University found that, in general, frozen food is wasted less frequently than its non-frozen counterparts at both retail stores and in households. This means cost savings and a reduced environmental impact. A Part of the Solution “As thought leaders and nutrition experts work to address our country’s produce consumption crisis, AFFI urges them to take advantage of the benefits of frozen during National Fruits & Veggies Month.” For more information about frozen fruits and vegetables, visit www.frozenadvantage.org. About AFFI
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