THE AMERICAN ITALIAN FOOD COALITION APPLAUDS BIDEN ADMINISTRATION FOR HOSTING WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE ON HUNGER, NUTRITION, AND HEALTH
“Hunger and affordable food as part of a balanced diet are some of the most critical issues facing Americans across the country.”
WASHINGTON – The American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC) applauded the Biden Administration’s efforts to end hunger, improve food accessibility and affordability, and prioritize nutrition at a listening session earlier this afternoon. In a joint statement, co-chairs Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti stated:
“We want to applaud the Biden Administration for hosting a listening session to discuss hunger, health, and nutrition in the United States. Hunger and affordable food as part of a balanced diet are some of the most critical issues facing too many Americans across the country.
As co-chairs of the American Italian Food Coalition, we believe the Administration should include two areas as it approaches questions of food security and nutrition:
First, we recommend that the Administration examine the Mediterranean diet model, which consists of plant-based foods such as whole grains, vegetables, fruits, herbs, fish, and healthy fats like olive oil, as it considers ways to encourage healthier eating. The hallmarks of this diet are a balanced meal and portion sizes. Doctors have been prescribing the Mediterranean diet model to patients for years – citing a decrease in the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, depression, dementia and more.
Second, access to food is key. One of AIFC’s core missions is to ensure American consumers have access to high quality Italian products. In that vein, we must ensure tariffs are not placed on crucial food imports. We would like to commend the Administration and the President for taking action to try to settle trade disputes with some of our strongest allies, including Italy. Tariffs on food imports, notably from our global allies, increase the costs of food at a time of great crisis. A reasonable trade agenda is a critical part of food equality in this country and around the globe.”
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. For more information on the AIFC click HERE.
Media Contact:
press@aifcoalition.org
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