The Arlington, Virginia-headquartered American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) has kicked off National Fruits & Veggies Month this September by highlighting the important role frozen product play in closing the produce consumption gap. Currently, only one in ten 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, frozen food offers a delicious and healthy option.”
Year-Round Nutrition
Fruits and vegetables are flash-frozen shortly after harvest, locking in nutrients before distribution to retail and foodservice markets. Studies show that frozen fruits and vegetables have the same nutrition as 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 US household respondents 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 waste a year that may go to a landfill. 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.
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,” stated Bodor.