AIFC Recognizes International Mediterranean Diet Month

May is International Mediterranean Diet Month!

Italy produces some of America’s most beloved foods, and Italian producers are proud to provide American consumers with products inspired by the Mediterranean diet model in response to the growing appetite worldwide for responsible portion sizes, balance, and health. As Congress prepares to write the 2023 Farm Bill and Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the AIFC advocates to shift the narrative to a positive approach based in holistic nutrition which reflects the links between diet, environment, lifestyle, and overall health maintenance.

Lucy Calautti, co-chair of the AIFC, has practiced the Mediterranean Diet model for years, and appreciates cooking with healthy fats, fresh vegetables, lean meat, and fish. You can explore some of her favorite recipes on the AIFC’s cooking series, Mangia Bene, which may be found on social media and our website.

You may also enjoy our At the Table interview with Dr. Paul Gately, Professor of Exercise and Obesity at Leeds Beckett University. Professor Gately was a distinguished panelist at the AIFC’s Positive Nutrition Roundtable, held last November at the Embassy of Italy to discuss benefits of the Mediterranean diet and positive nutrition.

The Embassy of Italy, American Italian Food Coalition, and The Italian Cultural Society of Washington D.C. Hold Easter Egg Hunt to Benefit Local Charity

The egg hunt raised money in support of children’s health and advancements in medical research.

April 20, 2023

Press: press@aifcoalition.org ; stampa.washington@esteri.it ; ICS.eventi@italianculturalsociety.org

Washington, D.C. - On Saturday, April 15th, the Embassy of Italy in the US, together with the American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC) and The Italian Cultural Society (ICS), held an Easter Egg Hunt to benefit the Center for the Advancement of Innovative Health Practices. This marks the second consecutive year of the event.

Hosted by Italian Ambassador to the US Mariangela Zappia at her residence, Villa Firenze, the event was attended by nearly 400 people, including more than 150 children and their parents. This year’s egg hunt raised over $16,800 in donations to the Center for the Advancement of Innovative Health Practices. The Children’s Hospital Association generously matched donations.

In her opening remarks, Ambassador Zappia stated, “This is not just about sharing one of our most beautiful traditions and showing how close we are to one another, our peoples, our countries, our institutions, but also a noble cause, as proceeds from today’s egg hunt will be doubled by the National Children's Hospital Association and donated to the Center for the Advancement of Innovative Health Practices.”

AIFC co-chair Susan Molinari and Francesca Casazza, Executive Director & CEO of the Italian Cultural Society, also offered brief remarks, emphasizing gratitude to attendees for participating in support of children’s health and advancements in medical research. The event was sponsored in part by AIFC member Ferrero, who provided chocolate treats and Kinder Joy of Moving activities for the children.

Special guests included Dr. Christina Bethell and Mr. Mark Wietecha, CEO of the Children’s Hospital Association.

### 

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 mission of the Italian Cultural Society is to promote Italian language and culture by creating opportunities to explore the many facets of Italian culture. The ICS Italian Language Program was founded in 1974 with contributions from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the purpose to include Italian language in American schools and to teach Italian in the Unites States. The ICS organizes cultural events and provides Scholarship Awards.

Dr. Paul Gately, Professor of Exercise and Obesity at Leeds Beckett University and CEO of MoreLife joins At the Table with Susan and Lucy

April 17, 2023

Press: press@aifcoalition.org

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC) released an At the Table with Susan and Lucy as part of the Coalition’s ongoing interview series hosted by AIFC co-chairs Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti. Susan and Lucy interviewed Dr. Paul Gately, Professor of Exercise and Obesity at Leeds Beckett University and CEO of MoreLife.

In his At The Table interview, Professor Gately discussed AIFC’s Positive Nutrition Roundtable held at the Embassy of Italy last September, in which he was a panelist. He stressed the importance of positive messaging for a sustainable diet model based on lifestyle and habits rather than an approach of restriction and negativity. Dr. Gately explained how science has evolved to understand the specifics about food, nutrition, nutrients, exercise, and energy, but overlooks the human circumstances, culture, and lived experiences that result in obesity. He emphasized balanced messaging about food quality, nutrients, and wholistic diet models, stating:

“The problem with most diets is people revert back to their old behaviors because we are telling people what not to do, rather than giving them something to aim for… the benefit of that [roundtable] was embracing the positive message of food and enjoying food….What I’ve brought to my work is messages about food, culture, and community as part of a holistic, healthy lifestyle. The ‘don’t do’ attitude is unhelpful because it’s restricting and depressing. Food should be celebrated and embraced… it’s an important part of how we come together as humans to enjoy what our world has to offer us.”

To watch the full interview, please visit www.aifcoalition.org/atthetable.

Stay connected with the AIFC by following us on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn at @AIFCoalition. 

### 

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. 

At the Table with Susan and Lucy is a web series hosted by the Honorable Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti, featuring discussions and interviews with prominent guests about Italian food, heritage, and politics.

The Embassy of Italy in Washington, AIFC, and YPFP co-host Event on Innovation in Sustainable Cocoa Production

March 24, 2023

Inquiries: press@aifcoalition.org ; stampa.washington@esteri.it

Washington, D.C. – This week, the Embassy of Italy in Washington, together with the American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC) and Young Professionals in Foreign Policy (YPFP), hosted a workshop to promote innovation and technology in sustainable cocoa production.

The event featured panelists representing academia, business, non-profits, environmental groups, and the media. The event was moderated by Kate Tully, Associate Professor in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Maryland.

During the event, panelists discussed innovation and technology in agriculture to improve sustainable production, threats to global cocoa production, assessment of sustainable food production systems in a changing climate, consumer concerns, and identifying sustainable management strategies.

Ambassador of Italy to the United States Mariangela Zappia attended the event and provided opening remarks. She stated:

“Italy, while not a producer, is an important transformer and user of this precious and delicious commodity in its worldwide known confectionery industry. Thus, our desire to present a positive example of the commitment that our industry has in regard to sustainability. We are all part of this world, and we need to promote good practices to achieve a common goal.”

In her remarks, AIFC co-chair the Honorable Susan Molinari recognized the value consumers place on sustainability and the commitment of AIFC members to meet their needs, stating:

“Cocoa is one of the building blocks for the foods that AIFC members produce. We know our partners here today work hard to produce cocoa in a sustainable way and are actively seeking to increase sustainable farming practices. We look forward to promoting their important work. Sustainably sourced ingredients in Italian products are essential, as demand for traditional Italian products is growing, highlighting the importance of the strong trade relationship between Italy and the United States that allows families and cultures to remain connected across the Atlantic. Sustainable food systems are foundational to supporting this growth.”

Innovations in Sustainable Cocoa is the second installment of an ongoing series hosted by the Embassy of Italy in partnership with the AIFC and YPFP to promote the importance of Italian foods and the systems used to produce this food sustainably.

###

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. 

American Italian Food Coalition Statement on Ambassador Tai Remarks at 2023 Trade Agenda Hearings

March 28, 2023

Inquiries: press@aifcoalition.org

Group Praises ‘Very Good Work’ of Boeing-Airbus Working Group

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC) issued the following statement regarding United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai’s testimony before Congress on the Biden Administration’s 2023 Trade Policy Agenda: 

“The AIFC commends Ambassador Tai for her continued commitment to working with our European partners to resolve the longstanding Boeing-Airbus dispute.”

In June 2021, the United States and the European Union agreed to establish a Large Civil Aircraft Working Group, aimed at addressing the Boeing-Airbus dispute. As part of the agreement, both parties also appropriately suspended – for five years – harmful tariffs on products that contribute to the cultural fabric of the United States, including products from Italy, which is not an Airbus consortium country.

In remarks before the Senate Finance and House Ways and Means Committees, Ambassador Tai noted the United States and European Union are doing ‘very good work’ as part of the Boeing-Airbus Working Group and expressed the Biden Administration’s commitment to ‘. . . collaborating with partners and allies to create broad-based economic growth.

The AIFC encourages the U.S. and EU will continue building on this work to reach a permanent solution to the dispute that reaffirms the strong ties between the United States and Europe.

###

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.

THE AIFC Celebrates National Women’s History Month

It's National Women's History Month, and we're glad to join the celebration as proud women who co-chair the American Italian Food Coalition.  

Over the past year, we have interviewed five Italian-American women on our series, At the Table With Susan and Lucy. These include: Dr. Roberta Re, Director of Cambridge Food Science; Anita McBride, author and former Chief of Staff for First Lady Laura Bush; former Senator Mary Landrieu; former OECD Ambassador Connie Morella; and Terese Casey, wife of Senator Bob Casey and influential leader in Pennsylvania. 

In addition, we have engaged in policy discussions on Capitol Hill about the importance of trade between the U.S. and Italy, positive nutrition, the Mediterranean Diet, and sustainability in agriculture with Speaker Emertius Nancy Pelosi, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, and Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, Ranking Member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee.

A special thank you to Ambassador Mariangela Zappia, the first woman Ambassador to the U.S. from Italy, who has graciously hosted the AIFC for conferences on sustainability and positive nutrition. 

Finally, the AIFC attended a symposium on positive nutrition and the Mediterranean Diet at the World Bank led by Coley Anderson of the Mediterranean Diet Roundtable in partnership with Susan, Lucy, and the AIFC.  

We are inspired by these women and all Italian and American women who are working hard to make our countries better places to work, live and create.

-Susan and Lucy

Anita McBride, Former White House Advisor and Director of the First Ladies Initiative Joins at the Table with Susan and Lucy

February 27, 2023

Press: press@aifcoalition.org

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC) released the first At the Table with Susan and Lucy interview of 2023 as part of the Coalition’s web series hosted by AIFC co-chairs Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti. Susan and Lucy interviewed Anita McBride, Director of the First Ladies Initiative at American University and former chief of staff to First Lady Laura Bush.

In her At The Table interview, Ms. McBride emphasized the influence of the US-Italy relationship to American culture, cuisine, national security, and trade. She explained her work with the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) and the White House Historical Society to highlight Italian art and architecture influence in U.S. government buildings. Ms. McBride also spoke about her experience working with First Ladies in the White House and in Africa, stating:

 “I had a front row seat to history. I saw the impact, influence, and legacy of when this unique and unelected position… is used well, it has an enormous ability to change lives and impact history. That includes overseas [First Ladies], and of course the legacy of American First Ladies and their work at home… Look at the arc from Lady Washington to now Dr. Jill Biden. The progress… is groundbreaking. It has been an incredible experience to dive into the experience of our first ladies and what they’ve contributed, tried to do, where they didn’t succeed, where they made mistakes, how many of them really were the force behind their husbands to be President.”

This fall, Ms. McBride is publishing the first ever academic textbook about the impact of American First Ladies, entitled U.S. First Ladies: Making History and Leaving Legacies. It will be available for academic institutions to purchase in August, and the public in December. 

To watch the full interview, please visit aifcoalition.org/atthetable.

Stay connected with the AIFC by following us on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

###

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. 

At the Table with Susan and Lucy is a web series hosted by AIFC co-chairs the Honorable Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti, featuring discussions and interviews with prominent guests about Italian food, heritage, and politics.

American Italian Food Coalition Co-Chairs Meet and Greet Members of the 118th Congress

February 10, 2023

Inquiries: press@aifcoalition.org

Washington, D.C. - This week, AIFC co-chairs Lucy Calautti and Hon. Susan Molinari visited members of Congress to introduce the American Italian Food Coalition as a resource for the 118th Congress on the importance of the US-Italy relationship, particularly in trade, nutrition, and a sustainable food supply.

Susan and Lucy emphasized the three pillars of AIFC advocacy: trade, and the importance of uniquely Italian products to American retailers and consumers; a balanced diet reflective of the Mediterranean diet model, which we encourage policymakers to consider when crafting a Farm Bill and new dietary guidelines this year; and a sustainable food supply, which is critical to our member organizations and their American partners.

The co-chairs had the opportunity to meet with several members of Congress, including House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), Speaker Emeritus Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Italian-American Congressional Delegation Co-Chairs Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) and Rep. Mark Amodei (R-NV), Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), and Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-IA).

###

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.

American Italian Food Coalition Praises First Ministerial Meeting of Boeing-Airbus Working Group

Group Applauds U.S., EU For Continued Commitment to Resolving Dispute

WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 15, 2022) – Today, the American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC) issued the following statement to commend the first Ministerial Meeting of the Large Civil Aircraft Working Group held earlier this month:

“The first Ministerial Meeting of the Large Civil Aircraft Working Group, held on December 4, marks an important step in affirming the U.S.-EU agreement reached in June 2021 to address the longstanding Boeing-Airbus dispute. The agreement appropriately suspended harmful tariffs jeopardizing food and beverage products that contribute to the cultural fabric of the United States – including products from Italy, which is not an Airbus consortium country.

The AIFC commends United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai and European Commission Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis for their continued commitment to resolving the Boeing-Airbus dispute and reaffirming the strong ties between the United States and Europe. We look forward to continued engagement from both sides to reach a permanent resolution to the dispute that bolsters our Trans-Atlantic partnership and allows us to work constructively together to confront shared challenges.”

###

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.

AIFC Co-Hosts Event for Innovation & Technology in Sustainable Food Production

November 14, 2022

Inquiries: press@aifcoalition.org

Today, the American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC) co-hosted an event with the Embassy of Italy in Washington and Young Professionals in Foreign Policy to promote innovation and technology for sustainable food production as part of the Coalition’s commitment to engaging stakeholders, our members, and US policymakers to assist in transparent and deliberate policymaking in agriculture, trade, and nutrition. The event is part of an ongoing series hosted by the Embassy to promote Italian food and the systems used to produce this food sustainably.

Discussion included technological solutions to address issues, such as increased traceability, improved animal welfare, increased efficiency, increased yield, reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, and reduction of food waste.

AIFC co-chair Hon. Susan Molinari attended the event and provided opening remarks, stating,

“Demand for traditional Italian products is growing, highlighting the importance of the strong trade relationship between Italy and the US that allows families and cultures to remain connected across the Atlantic – and for sustainable food systems to support this growth.”

Earlier this year, the AIFC hosted a Positive Nutrition Roundtable at the embassy, and submitted comments as a contribution to the White House’s listening sessions on hunger, nutrition, and health.

 ### 

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.

Dr. Roberta Re, Director of Cambridge Food Science, Joins “At the Table with Susan and Lucy”

October 12, 2022

Press: press@aifcoalition.org

Washington, D.C. – Today, the American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC) released an interview as part of an ongoing video series, At the Table with Susan and Lucy, hosted by AIFC co-chairs Hon. Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti. Susan and Lucy interviewed Dr. Roberta Re, Director of Cambridge Food Science and moderator of  the AIFC and Mediterranean Diet Roundtable-sponsored Positive Nutrition Roundtable held last month at the Italian Embassy in Washington, DC.

In her At The Table With Susan And Lucy interview, Dr. Re emphasized the importance of positive nutrition framing, asserting that categorizing food as good or bad is misleading to the consumer and oversimplifies the complex nutritional value of food. In this vein, Dr. Re questioned the methods of communication used to speak about food, noting that shifting the narrative from nutrients to positive diet models and an overall lifestyle choices is necessary for a healthy and sustainable future. On nutrition messaging, Dr. Re said:

“The key pillars of nutrition and what the key messages are haven’t changed much with time. Now, we need to communicate with the consumer in a way that resonates with them. It is no longer talking about fat and cholesterol, it’s talking about food, talking about diet, lifestyle, balance, and portion sizes, really bringing together the core message of a healthy lifestyle and well-being..”

Dr. Re continued this important discussion while moderating the Positive Nutrition Roundtable, where nutrition experts from around the world engaged in conversation about the importance of positive nutritional strategies and policies to support them, ensuring consumers receive accurate nutrition information and have access to high-quality, affordable products.

To watch the full interview, please visit aifcoalition.org/atthetable or follow @aifcoalition on Instagram and Twitter. Recent guests on At the Table include Former Secretary of Defense and CIA Director Leon Panetta, Anthony Scaramucci, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Ambassador Connie Morella, Maryland State Sen. Jim Rosapepe, former Louisiana Senator Mary Landrieu, and more.

###

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.

AIFC Co-Chairs celebrate italian-american heritage month

Every October, Italian-American Heritage month commemorates the centuries-old friendship and important ties between the United States and Italy. The legacy of Italian immigrants in our country runs deep, the fruits of which have become staples in American culture and our daily lives. During the month of October, we should not only look back, but also forward to foster the economic, national security, environmental, and cultural bonds that inspire the connection between the United States and Italy. It is in our shared interest to work together, and we are confident in the continued relationship between our two great countries. This month, AIFC co-chairs Hon. Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti are celebrating their heritage as Italian Americans by recalling moments spent traveling, sharing traditions, and cooking with their families.

---

“My Italian roots are in southern Italy, and I am so proud of the traditions passed down to me from my grandparents, who emigrated from that region.

Cooking meals for my close-knit family is such an important part of what makes me Italian. I love to prepare pasta in the southern Italian tradition with tomatoes, peppers, and olive oil.

Recently, my husband and I traveled to Calabria with our children and grandson to find my roots. We not only found our ancestral village in the Aspromonte mountains - we also found our long-lost family! I was thrilled to unite three generations of my Italian-American family with our family in Italia.

I hope to spend many future Italian Heritage months connecting my family to the home that made us who we are today.”

- Lucy Calautti, AIFC Co-chair

---

“My maternal grandmother, baptized Asunta Nacchio, was the third oldest in a family of ten. Her parents and two of her sisters migrated from Pagani, Italy to NYC. Shortly after landing in America, my grandmother was born.

They were a loud and joyful family who got together frequently, always around a meal. Their meals were simple and healthy. They couldn’t afford a lot of meat, so they relied on beans, lentils, fresh vegetables, and pasta. My grandmother was an amazing cook, even though we didn’t own measuring cups nor spoons. When I would watch her cook, she would explain, “you take a little oil, a dash of salt, some oregano...” It was all to taste - her taste - and she always got it right.  How I loved coming home from school, with beautiful smells emanating from the kitchen as she prepared our dinner. It smelled like heaven; it smelled like love.

Pictured is Corpo Di Christo – the center of my family’s life in Pagani. We were privileged to visit the town this summer. The locals welcomed us with open arms. Sometimes, you can feel “family” generations back. The church contained a lot of information about my grandmother’s family. In the second picture, I am looking at the actual baptismal recordings of my two aunts, who were born in Pagani.”

- Hon. Susan Molinari, AIFC Co-chair

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.” 

###

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.

PRESS RELEASE: The American Italian Food Coalition Co-Hosts “Positive Nutrition” Roundtable

September 16, 2022

Contact: press@aifcoalition.org

THE AMERICAN ITALIAN FOOD COALITION CO-HOSTS “POSITIVE NUTRITION” ROUNDTABLE

Multi-day event brings together world-renowned experts in nutrition and health

Washington, D.C.  – The American Italian Food Coalition, together with Mediterranean Diet Roundtable®, the Embassy of Italy, and Cambridge Food Science, this week hosted “Positive Nutrition: Shifting the Focus from Nutrients to Diet for a Healthy Lifestyle.” Culminating in a roundtable discussion of world-renowned nutrition experts at the Embassy of Italy in Washington, DC, panelists joined a series of events throughout the week in marking the occasion.

As nutrition issues take center stage with the upcoming White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health, and Congress prepares for a new Farm Bill, the MDR and AIFC partnered to organize a symposium to discuss positive nutritional strategies for a healthy future.

Distinguished panelists in attendance included: Roberta Re, Director of Cambridge Food Science; Dennis Bier, Professor of Pediatrics and Director of the USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center at Baylor College of Medicine; Hugo Da Costa Ribeiro, Professor at the Department of Pediatrics at the FMB at the Federal University of Bahia; Lorenzo Maria Donini, Professor at the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery of the Sapienza University; Paul Gately, Director at MoreLife; Daniela Martini, Assistant Professor at the University of Milan; and Richard Mattes, Distinguished Professor of Nutrition Science at Purdue University.

In addition to the event at the Italian Embassy, distinguished panelists were hosted in the United States Capitol as well as joined a symposium organized by the Mediterranean Diet Roundtable at the World Bank.

“Now is a critical time as policymakers and stakeholders discuss what the future of food policy in America will look like. I was so pleased to be a part of an event where all attendees share a commitment to positive nutrition,” said former congresswoman and current AIFC co-chair Susan Molinari. “Today’s panel showcased the value of a focus on the whole diet and positive nutrition messages.”

Added AIFC co-chair Lucy Calautti, “On behalf of our members, we were thrilled to welcome this panel of experts to Washington, D.C. to engage in conversation about the importance of positive nutritional strategies and policies that support them ensuring consumers get accurate nutrition information and access to high-quality, affordable products. As discussions about food, nutrition, and access to healthy foods continue at the White House and in Congress, AIFC looks forward to continuing to showcase the value our members bring.”

###

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.

Former Secretary of Defense, CIA Director Leon Panetta Joins “At the Table with Susan and Lucy”

WASHINGTON – Today, the American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC) released an interview with former Secretary of Defense, CIA Director, and former U.S. House Budget Committee Chairman from California Leon Panetta as a part of its ongoing digital video series, At The Table With Susan And Lucy, hosted by AIFC co-chairs Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti. During the discussion, Secretary Panetta shared his experience as a child of Italian immigrants, the integral role Italy plays within the intelligence community, the importance of free trade, and how his new foundation, the Panetta Institute, is working to instill a greater appreciation for civil service in the next generation.

In his At The Table With Susan And Lucy interview, Secretary Panetta said:

“I am a believer in free trade. I think it's really important, particularly in a global world… We're tied together because of communication, because of security because of financial dependencies of one kind or another, because of our diplomacy… The whole NATO Alliance now has come together and unified because of that very special relationship that we have. So I am a believer that we have to engage with that world. And I would hope that we would now develop even better trade relations with those countries because I think ultimately that's the best way not only to expose the American people to great products, but to also make them understand that we are interrelated and that we have to be that way in the future.”

To watch the full interview, please visit aifcoalition.org/atthetable or follow @aifcoalition on Instagram and Twitter. Recent guests on At the Table include Anthony Scaramucci, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Ambassador Connie Morella, Maryland State Sen. Jim Rosapepe, former Louisiana Senator Mary Landrieu, and more.

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.

###

AIFC’s Comments Submitted to the White House Listening Session on Hunger, Health, and Nutrition in the United States

On behalf of the American Italian Food Coalition, we thank the Biden Administration for convening this Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. We are Lucy Calautti and Susan Molinari, co-chairs of the American Italian Food Coalition. 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. Hunger and affordable food as part of a balanced diet are some of the most critical issues facing Americans across the country.

As women raised in first- and second-generation Italian-American families, we know the value affordable and healthy food can have on one’s self and family. 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 that unnecessary tariffs are not placed on crucial food imports. We 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.

And while our Italian culture has taught us many things, one of the most important has been our love for and continued reliance on a Mediterranean diet. A Mediterranean diet consists of plant-based foods such as whole grains, vegetables, fruits, herbs, fish, healthy fats like olive oil. But the hallmark of this diet is not only balanced meals, but also moderate portion sizes. Portion size is important as it helps your body receive the right amount of nutrients. Doctors have been prescribing a Mediterranean diet for years – citing a decrease in the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, depression, dementia and more. We urge the Administration to adopt policies that promote balanced diets, appropriate portion sizes and consumption of affordable, healthy foods while enjoying treats in moderation.

We thank you for your time and look forward to working together to end hunger and promote balanced, nutritious diets here in the U.S.

Former Louisiana U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu Joins ‘At The Table with Susan and Lucy’

WASHINGTON – Today, the American Italian Food Coalition’s released its latest interview as part of its ongoing digital video series At The Table With Susan And Lucy, hosted by co-chairs Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti, featuring former Louisiana U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu.  During the discussion, Landrieu discussed Italian-American traditions, the importance of family, and her experience serving in the United States Senate.

In the video interview, Landrieu said:

“It’s so important for our country...to cherish the roots of where our people come from. It makes us a better country, not a weaker country when we cherish and respect the backgrounds of all the different people that come to our country.”

To watch the full interview, please visit aifcoalition.org/atthetable or follow @aifcoalition on Instagram and Twitter. Recent guests on At the Table include Anthony Scaramucci, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Ambassador Connie Morella, Maryland State Sen. Jim Rosapepe, and more.

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

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

###

ANTHONY SCARAMUCCI JOINS AIFC’S AT THE TABLE WITH SUSAN AND LUCY

Discusses Italian Heritage, Family, and Free Trade In New Video Interview

WASHINGTON - Today, the American Italian Food Coalition’s (AIFC) new digital video series At the Table With Susan and Lucy hosted by cochairs Susan Molinari and Lucy Calauti welcomed special guest Anthony Scaramucci for a discussion about his Italian heritage, family, and the importance of free trade.
 
In the video interview, Scaramucci said:
 
“I grew up in an Italian family, which was very steeped in the Italian culture... My grandmother got here in 1923... I remember so fondly her wisdom, her love and the way she cooked all the foods that you guys are importing… And so one of the things that we learned in our culture is obviously to treat everybody with dignity and kindness and to recognize that each of us are equals before God. And it's super important for me.”
 
To watch the full interview, please visit aifcoalition.org/atthetable or follow @aifcoalition on Instagram and Twitter.

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

AIFC SHARES NEW REPORT WITH USTR AND CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS IN SENATE FINANCE AND HOUSE WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEES

“THE U.S. – ITALY STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP” Explores Long-Standing Bilateral Relationship And Benefits Between U.S. and Italy

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti,  co-chairs of American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC), sent a letter to the Office of the United States Trade Representative, U.S. Senate Committee on Finance, and U.S. House Ways and Means Committee sharing the group’s recently published report “The U.S. – Italy Strategic Partnership”, which highlights the importance of the long-standing U.S.-Italy relationship. The letter, addressed to U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and congressional leaders in the Senate Finance and House Ways and Means Committees, highlights the report’s focus on how uniquely Italian food products have added significant cultural value to the U.S. while also examining trade irritants and the future trade relations between Italy and the United States.

 Key takeaways from the report include:

• Since at least 2008, Italy is consistently one of the United States' top 15 trading partners. The United States represents Italy’s largest non-European export market.

• In 2020, waffle and wafer exports from Italy to the U.S. comprised one of the largest flows of global waffle and wafer exports, totaling $59 million.

• The cultural impacts of Italian American businesses providing authentic Italian cuisine daily to all Americans cannot be overstated. To highlight just one example of this, Americans drink 656 million cups of coffee per day, more than any other beverage including tap water.

• American Italian Food Coalition members alone support 5.9 million jobs; $422.9 billion in economic output; $94.78 billion in taxes; and $1.8 billion in manufacturing.

In their letter, Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti jointly state, “The importance of the U.S.-Italy relationship is reflected in the more than 20 million Americans who proudly claim Italian heritage and reaffirmed by a deep commitment to the same values of democracy, human rights, the rule of law, security, and prosperity. AIFC appreciates USTR’s continued commitment to strengthening the U.S.-Italy relationship and cooperating on shared long-term challenges.”

To read the report, please visit: https://www.aifcoalition.org/s/AIFCWhitePaper41.pdf

 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.

###