New Initiative Enhances Access to Frozen Fruits and Vegetables for Low-Income Families

In a groundbreaking effort to tackle food insecurity, the Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA), alongside the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) and Instacart, has unveiled the results of a pilot program aimed at increasing access to nutritious fruits and vegetables for families facing economic challenges. This initiative notably includes frozen produce as a viable option.

Launched as an extension of PHA’s distinguished Good Food at Home program, this pilot was executed in major cities including Chicago, Philadelphia, and Baltimore, with the goal of improving nutrition among low-income households.

The Good Food at Home Fall/Winter 2024 pilot provided select families with $80 per month in Instacart Health Fresh Funds grocery vouchers for a three-month period, enabling them to purchase both fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables for delivery. Preliminary results highlight that integrating frozen produce is a highly effective strategy for enhancing both the accessibility and consumption of fruits and vegetables, establishing a new paradigm for food security initiatives across the nation.

“This pilot program with PHA clearly illustrates that frozen foods make affordable and nutritious options available in every community year-round,” emphasized Alison Bodor, president and CEO of the American Frozen Food Institute.

Key Findings Showcase the Benefits of Frozen Produce

Evaluation results from the pilot have revealed critical insights into the impact of frozen fruits and vegetables on nutrition access, particularly for households grappling with food insecurity:

• Extended Shelf Life Promotes Purchase: A striking 73% of survey respondents indicated that the longer shelf life of frozen produce was a primary reason for their purchases, addressing the significant challenges of spoilage and food waste.
• Convenient Solution: Nearly all participants (99%) reported having freezer capacity at home, emphasizing that frozen produce is a practical solution for most low-income families.
• Attainable Healthy Eating: Participants noted that frozen fruits and vegetables made healthy eating more accessible due to their affordability, convenience, and ease of preparation.
• Diverse Nutritional Options: Popular frozen choices included mixed vegetables (31%) and fruit mixes (29%), helping families to incorporate nutrient-rich foods like strawberries, mangoes, broccoli, and corn into their diets.
• Effectiveness of Education: Participants who received financial support and information about the benefits of frozen produce reported increased purchasing of frozen vegetables, proving that education paired with assistance can drive meaningful change.

The pilot garnered significant engagement across all three cities, with over 75% of participants utilizing their Fresh Funds. Families reported heightened access to produce, contributing to healthier eating habits. This initiative resulted in more than 200,000 additional servings of fruits and vegetables consumed.

Moreover, an impressive 93% of respondents from Philadelphia and Chicago indicated that the Fresh Funds enabled them to acquire more fruits and vegetables than they typically could afford. Similarly, 85% of Baltimore participants echoed this sentiment.

“Our collaboration with AFFI, including frozen fruits and vegetables, represents a crucial development in achieving broader access to nutritious food,” stated Noreen Springstead, president and CEO of the Partnership for a Healthier America.

“While traditional methods like providing produce boxes have been effective, they often do not address perishability for families who may struggle with time, finances, and transportation. The enthusiasm for frozen produce—ranging from waste reduction to dietary diversification—demonstrates its importance as a modern, practical solution to promote food equity. By expanding our eligibility criteria to include frozen items, we are making significant strides towards ensuring that all families have dignified access to quality nutrition, regardless of their zip code.”

As a result of the pilot’s success, PHA plans to incorporate frozen fruits and vegetables into all future Good Food at Home programming.

[RELATED: AFFI Shares 10 Ways Frozen Foods Can Support National Health Goals]