Press Releases

Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) joined Representatives Jasmine Crockett (TX-30) and Jahana Hayes (CT-05) in reintroducing the bipartisan, bicameral Supporting All Healthy Options When Purchasing Produce (“SHOPP”) Act. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) are leading the companion bill in the U.S. Senate.

Under current law, the Department of Agriculture’s (“USDA”) Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (“GusNIP”)—which is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program’s (“SNAP”) point of sale program and executor of the USDA’s Produce Prescription Program—only funds projects that support the consumption of fresh produce, thus excluding families’ access to similar healthy produce that are simply frozen. To address this shortcoming, the SHOPP Act would create commonsense revisions to current law to close the produce access gap for lower income households by amending and modernizing GusNIP by (1) requiring the Secretary of Agriculture to also consider GusNIP program grant applications and projects that promote or incentivize frozen fruit and vegetable consumption among SNAP recipients, and (2) requiring USDA to allow both fresh and frozen fruits, vegetables, and legumes be included in the Prescription Produce Program.

“America should be incentivized to live a healthy lifestyle. GusNIP is an easy way to do that,” Congressman Mark Alford said. “While this program is an opportunity to reward SNAP participants for choosing healthy produce options, I believe it can be improved. Our legislation would do just that. The SHOPP Act would amend the GusNIP program to expand those opportunities to frozen fruits and vegetables. Making decisions in the grocery store with the health of one’s family in mind should not be as challenging as it is. We’re working to ensure that whether you’re in rural America or a big city, you have the flexibility to meet your families’ nutritional needs. I’m proud of introduce the SHOPP Act alongside Rep. Crockett.”

“The GusNIP program, while well-intentioned, is a prime example of good policy that doesn’t always meet the needs of reality. In North Texas, many folks in the communities I serve don’t always have access to a grocery store selling fresh produce. Those families need the flexibility to purchase the kinds of fruits and vegetables that fit their needs and budgets,” said Rep. Crockett. “With March kicking off National Nutrition Month and Frozen Food Month, I’m grateful for Rep. Alford, Rep Hayes, and Sen. Cornyn, Sen. Ben Ray Luján in joining me to expand access and affordability of produce for all Americans. Whether you live near a grocery store, a farmer's market, or a corner store, you should be able to access nutritious food all year—the SHOPP Act will help make that possible.”

“The American Frozen Food Institute (“AFFI”) welcomes the introduction of the proposed legislation that will expand accessibility and affordability for families to eat more fruits and vegetables by allowing them to take frozen produce that has a longer preservation life. The SHOPP Act is a commonsense solution that can help more Americans have access to nutritious fruits and vegetables. Freezing locks in the nutrients of farm-fresh produce, making quality produce available year-round for all families and helping them stretch their food dollar further. The American Frozen Food Institute thanks the sponsors and urges Congress to pass a farm bill with the SHOPP Act included,” said Alison Bodor, American Frozen Food Institute, President and CEO.

“I am proud to reintroduce the bipartisan SHOPP Act to expand access to fruits and vegetables for families across the country,” said Senator Luján, a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. “This legislation helps strengthen food security and supports healthier communities in New Mexico and nationwide, especially in rural and Tribal communities where access to fresh produce can be limited. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to move it forward.”

The full text of the bill can be found here.

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