WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) yesterday introduced the Supporting All Healthy Options When Purchasing Produce (SHOPP) Act, which would expand access to frozen fruits and vegetables through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP):

“SNAP participants who live in areas that lack access to affordable produce shouldn’t be forced to go without the nutrients they need,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This legislation would make sure Texans can access frozen fruits and vegetables, and I urge my colleagues in the House and Senate to support it.”

“Whether in rural or urban communities, SNAP participants deserve a program that meets their needs. The SHOPP Act will help ensure that everyone can bring home fruits and vegetables, no matter where they live,” said Sen. Luján. “This legislation will improve SNAP and enact simple solutions that make produce consumption easier.”

Companion legislation has been introduced by Representatives Mark Alford (MO-04) and Jasmine Crockett (TX-30) in the House of Representatives.

Background:

The Supplemental Assistance Nutrition Program (SNAP) and the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) are designed to help low-income families and individuals access the healthy food options they need. However, GusNIP projects currently only include funding for fresh produce, not frozen. The SHOPP Act would give local GusNIP providers the ability to provide frozen fruits and vegetables that work better for SNAP participants who may live in rural or urban food deserts. Frozen produce makes eating a variety of fruits and vegetables possible for these families and individuals who may not have access to fresh produce and is also easier to transport to areas that are on the last mile of a delivery route.

This legislation is endorsed by the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) and the Houston Food Bank.