AIFC and MDR Statement on the White House Conference on Hunger, Health, and Nutrition in the United States

September 30, 2022

Inquires: AIFC - press@aifcoalition.org | MDR - daniela@accentpr.com

Washington, D.C. – In response to this week’s White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health to discuss ending hunger, improving nutrition and physical activity, and reducing diet-related diseases and disparities, the American Italian Food Coalition and Mediterranean Diet Roundtable, who recently co-hosted a roundtable focused on positive nutrition, released the following statement:

“The American Italian Food Coalition and Mediterranean Diet Roundtable commend the Biden Administration for convening this Conference. Ensuring American consumers have equal access to high quality, affordable, healthy foods remain a priority issue for our coalitions.

“For one in six Americans, access to nutritious food is not a reality. The AIFC and MDR co-hosted a Positive Nutrition Roundtable on September 15th, at a critical moment in this discussion. During the roundtable, expert panelists discussed the importance of holistic diet models and a positive nutrition framework. AIFC member companies promote the Mediterranean diet model, the hallmark of which is balanced meals and moderate portion sizes.

“As the Biden Administration develops a vision for its worthy goals of ending hunger and reducing diet-related diseases by 2030, we urge policymakers to consider the Mediterranean eating pattern, among other nutritious diet models, as an important factor in legislation. Categorizing foods by individual nutrient composition neglects how food contributes to a holistic diet, and the synergistic role of nutrients and foods. Policy messaging that polarizes healthy and unhealthy foods can be misleading to the consumer, particularly the most vulnerable.

Earlier this year, the AIFC submitted comments as part of the Administration’s listening sessions, and will continue to prompt dialogue with key stakeholders, our member organizations, and the federal government to assist in a transparent and deliberate process.

“The AIFC and MDR remain committed to working with our partners to end hunger and promote balanced, nutritious diets here in the U.S.” 

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The American Italian Food Coalition is an alliance of more than 450 Italian companies, manufacturers, and trade associations dedicated to ensuring American consumers continue to have access to high-quality, affordable imported Italian products including pasta, coffee, biscuits, and wafers.

The Mediterranean Diet Roundtable® (MDR) is a think-tank designed to inform, inspire and promote the appreciation of ingredients and cuisines distinctive of the Mediterranean region, and to translate the benefits of the Mediterranean Diet into commercial opportunities within the United States.