Updates
American Italian Food Coalition Participates in U.N. Meeting on Improving Physical and Mental Health
Positive Nutrition, Such as the Mediterranean Diet Model, Offers Better Outcomes
AIFC executive director, Jeff Shapiro, at the United Nations in New York.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC) participated in a multi-stakeholder forum on improving physical and mental health as part of the United Nations’ High Level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases. The coalition, represented by executive director Jeff Shapiro, submitted comments urging the U.N. to uphold language from the 2018 political declaration recognizing balanced diets as the most sensible approach to nutrition rather than restrictions on certain foods or ingredients.
On behalf of the AIFC, Shapiro wrote in part, “Our coalition supports the Mediterranean Diet model as an aspect of positive nutrition because the model offers a sustainable, holistic plan rich in a variety of foods that emphasizes moderation and lifestyle. This diet model has been linked to numerous health benefits, including a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer, supporting healthy blood pressure and cholesterol, and slowing the decline of brain function during aging.”
Co-chairs of the American Italian Food Coalition, former Member of Congress Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti, issued the following statement:
“The Mediterranean Diet model has been recognized by UNESCO for its significant contributions to world heritage and culture. It is a lifestyle built on balance and moderation, proven to support better physical and mental health. On behalf of our more than 500 members, we are proud that the American Italian Food Coalition was able to share the positive story of Italian food and holistic approach to nutrition that could benefit people around the globe.”
In November 2023, the AIFC released a report, “Perspectives on Positive Nutrition.” The report found public health policies traditionally have promoted restrictive and reductionist approaches to diets with limited results. The report concluded that systems-based approaches, such as the Mediterranean Diet model, could help shape a healthier future.
Shapiro’s full written statement is available below:
My name is Jeff Shapiro, and I serve as the Executive Director of the American Italian Food Coalition. On behalf of our more than 500 companies, manufacturers, and trade associations, thank you for the opportunity to share our perspective.
We greatly appreciate the General Assembly’s work on the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases and the promotion of mental health and well-being. As you prepare the next political declaration, we strongly encourage you to use the 2018 UN High Level Meeting on NCDs as a starting point, recognizing balanced diets are the most sensible approach, rather than restrictions on certain foods or ingredients.
Specifically, we urge you to recognize that positive nutrition models, such as the Mediterranean Diet model, offer better outcomes for physical and mental health than models restricting certain foods.
In November of 2023, we released a report titled, “Perspectives on Positive Nutrition.” Our report found public health policies traditionally have promoted restrictive and reductionist approaches to diets with limited results. As explained by Dr. Roger Clemens, former president of the International Academy of Food Science and Technology and adjunct professor at the University of Southern California, there needs to be a shift away from reductionist approaches to nutrition through systems-based approaches, considering the foods eaten in totality and how all the different nutrients fit together in our daily lives.
The AIFC emphasizes making the change to systems-based approaches by transitioning away from isolated food categories in favor of evidenced-based tactics and promoting positive nutrition messaging and policy.
Our coalition supports the Mediterranean Diet model as an aspect of positive nutrition because the model offers a sustainable, holistic plan rich in a variety of foods that emphasizes moderation and lifestyle. This diet model has been linked to numerous health benefits, including a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer, supporting healthy blood pressure and cholesterol, and slowing the decline of brain function during aging.
We are not alone in our support of the Mediterranean Diet model. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025 recommends a “Healthy Mediterranean-Style Dietary Pattern,” as an exemplary dietary plan. The National Institutes of Health conducted a study in October of 2023 which found “Evidence suggests that adopting a healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean Diet model, can positively affect mental health.” And since 2010, the Mediterranean Diet model has been recognized by UNESCO as an intangible heritage of humanity because of its commitment to preserve tradition, land and biodiversity.
Italian food reflects the Mediterranean Diet model, which is popular around the world and an excellent option for those looking to diversify their diets.
The American Italian Food Coalition remains committed to supporting the General Assembly’s efforts to improve mental and physical health through positive nutrition models and science-based recommendations.
American Italian Food Coalition Congratulates Tilman Fertitta upon Confirmation as U.S. Ambassador to Italy
Restauranteur and businessman is the right choice to build on the strong partnership between two great nations.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Co-chairs of the American Italian Food Coalition, former Member of Congress Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti, issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate confirmed Tilman Fertitta as the U.S. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Italian Republic and the Republic of San Marino:
“On behalf of our more than 500 members, we congratulate Tilman Fertitta, President Trump’s choice to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Italy, upon his confirmation by the U.S. Senate.
“During his confirmation hearing, Mr. Fertitta demonstrated a full understanding and respect for the political, economic, historic, and cultural connections between these two great nations. We are also pleased that as a businessman and restauranteur of Italian descent, the new ambassador will appreciate the importance of uniquely Italian food products for American restaurants, grocers, and families.
“We look forward to working with Mr. Fertitta as U.S. Ambassador to ensure Americans continue to have access to the high-quality and unique Italian food products they know and love, and to build upon the strong alliance between Italy and the United States.”
American Italian Food Coalition Welcomes Italian Prime Minister to U.S.A.
Meloni’s meeting with Trump presents opportunity to advance trade discussions.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Co-chairs of the American Italian Food Coalition, former Member of Congress Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti, issued the following statement ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s scheduled meeting with Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni in Washington on Thursday:
“We are grateful Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni is back in Washington to strengthen the strong partnership between our two great nations. The Prime Minister’s meeting with President Trump represents an opportunity to reaffirm our alliance and make progress toward trade agreements that will benefit businesses, workers, and consumers on both sides of the Atlantic.
“We encourage the Prime Minister and the President to discuss the need to exempt food products from tariffs, while negotiators focus on the true drivers of the U.S-EU trading relationship. Food makes up only a small fraction of imports from the EU, but increased costs from tariffs will raise grocery prices for hardworking Americans, open U.S. food producers to retaliation, and hurt the strong cultural relationship between the U.S. and its closest allies, including Italy.
“Food, including the unique Italian food products made by our members, brings people and counties together. We hope the Trump Administration will agree and exempt food from the current and any future tariffs.”
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The American Italian Food Coalition is an alliance of more than 530 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 Thanks Trump for 90-Day Tariff Pause
Calls for U.S.-EU agreement and exemption for food products
MEDIA CONTACT: Rick VanMeter
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Co-chairs of the American Italian Food Coalition, former Member of Congress Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti, today issued the following statement after President Trump announced a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs, lowering the new duties on E.U. food exports to 10 percent:
“On behalf of our more than 500 members, we thank President Trump for pausing the recently announced tariffs for 90 days. This additional time will give the U.S. and the EU time to negotiate better agreements to support jobs, growth, and consumers on both sides of the Atlantic.
“We continue to encourage the Trump Administration to exempt food products from the remaining 10 percent tariff and any future trade restrictions. Tariffs on food products raise grocery prices for Americans, hitting low and middle-income consumers the hardest. Tariffs also open American food producers, including farmers and ranchers, to retaliatory measures that hurt American exports and threaten the world food supply.
“Food is more than a necessity; it links our two great nations through shared traditions and history. We will continue to work with the Administration to ensure our members can continue to provide unique, high-quality Italian food products to American consumers.”
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The American Italian Food Coalition is an alliance of more than 530 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 Commends President Trump’s Nomination of Tilman Fertitta as U.S. Ambassador to Italy and San Marino
On March 31, the American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC) sent a letter supporting President Trump’s nomination of Tilman Fertitta as Ambassador of the U.S. to Italy and San Marino. In a joint letter to Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman James Risch and Jeanne Shaheen, AIFC co-chairs Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti stated:
“On behalf of the American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC), we write in support of Tilman Fertitta’s nomination as the next U.S. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Italian Republic and the Republic of San Marino. We commend President Trump on this important nomination and urge the Senate Foreign Relations Committee as well as the full United States Senate to approve Mr. Fertitta’s appointment as soon as possible.
The AIFC is an alliance of more than 500 companies, manufacturers, and trade associations dedicated to ensuring American consumers continue to have access to high-quality, affordable, imported Italian products including coffee, pasta, biscuits, and wafers. The products our member organizations make contribute to the strong cultural identity of many of America’s great cities, and support American jobs and prosperity. AIFC members support 5.9 million jobs; $422.9 billion in economic output; $94.78 billion in taxes; and $1.8 billion in manufacturing.
We know Mr. Fertitta respects the full political, economic, historic, and cultural connections that make the U.S.-Italy relationship so critical to both nations. Additionally, as an accomplished businessman and restauranteur of Italian descent, we are confident Mr. Fertitta appreciates the importance of uniquely Italian food products – such as those produced by our members – for American consumers.
If confirmed, we look forward to working together with Mr. Fertitta and the Trump Administration to ensure Americans continue to have access to the high-quality Italian food products they know and love, and to build on the strong relationship between our two great nations.”
THE AMERICAN ITALIAN FOOD COALITION WELCOMES THE 119TH CONGRESS AND INCOMING ADMINISTRATION
Press: press@aifcoalition.org
The American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC) extends its congratulations to the members of the 119th Congress and welcomes the incoming Trump Administration. We look forward to fostering a strong partnership as we work together to advance shared priorities that will benefit both the United States and Italy.
AIFC Co-Chairs, the Honorable Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti, issued the following statement: “The AIFC remains committed to promoting economic growth through strengthened U.S.-Italy trade relations, emphasizing sustainability, and advocating for the Mediterranean diet model as a pillar of health, culture, and environmental stewardship. We are confident that by working collaboratively with the new Congress and Administration, we can address these priorities while fostering innovation and prosperity for our two nations.”
The AIFC is eager to contribute expertise, resources, and support to drive meaningful progress in these areas. We stand ready to engage with policymakers to highlight the immense potential of the U.S.-Italy strategic partnership.
To read the AIFC’s 2024 report on the U.S.-Italy strategic partnership, please click here.
To read the AIFC’s 2024 report on environmental responsibility, please click here.
To read the AIFC’s 2023 report on positive nutrition please click here.
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The American-Italian Food Coalition is an alliance of more than 530 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. Co-chaired by former U.S. Representative Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti, AIFC members are committed to ensuring robust trade relations between the U.S. and Italy, environmental stewardship, and promoting a balanced diet.
THE AMERICAN ITALIAN FOOD COALITION UNVEILS UPDATED REPORT ON THE U.S.-ITALY STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP
Press: press@aifcoalition.org
Today, the American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC) unveiled its updated report on “The U.S.-Italy Strategic Partnership,” highlighting essential economic developments and reaffirming the ties between the U.S. and Italy. The report, originally authored in April of 2022, emphasizes the AIFC’s recent advocacy work on Capitol Hill and shares the latest updates on the progress toward implementing OECD’s Pillars One and Two.
AIFC’s co-chairs Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti released the following statement on the updated report:
“The newest version of “The U.S.-Italy Strategic Partnership” provides a renewed perspective into the U.S. and Italy’s cooperative partnership. The inclusion of updated data as well as new economic and trade developments make this publication an essential reference for those looking to further grasp the influencing factors on U.S.-Italy trade and the impacts of the partnership on both countries’ markets. The U.S.-Italy relationship has spanned 163 years and continues to bring substantial benefits to both nations, fostering growth, innovation, and mutual understanding across industries. This enduring alliance not only strengthens economic ties but also reinforces shared values, creating new opportunities for collaboration in a rapidly evolving global market.”
Some key takeaways from the updated report include:
In 2022, the United States and Italy’s two-way trade in goods and services exceeded a record $126 billion, with $72.94 billion imported from Italy.
As of 2022, Italy’s direct investment in the U.S. totaled $39.75 billion, while U.S. direct investment in Italy was $26.12 billion. Additionally, as of 2022, jobs tied to two-way direct investment in the U.S. totaled 440,000.
In a joint statement following Prime Minister Meloni and President Joe Biden’s visit in March of 2024, they announced a significant achievement: bilateral trade between the two countries had reached its highest levels ever.
To read the updated U.S.-Italy Strategic Partnership Report, please click here.
To read the AIFC’s 2024 report on environmental responsibility, please click here.
To read the AIFC’s 2023 report on positive nutrition please click here.
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The American-Italian Food Coalition is an alliance of more than 530 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. Co-chaired by former U.S. Representative Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti, AIFC members are committed to ensuring robust trade relations between the U.S. and Italy, environmental stewardship, and promoting a balanced diet.
American Italian Food Coalition Celebrates the Work at the 50th Annual G7 Summit in Puglia, Italy
June 20, 2024
Inquiries: press@aifcoalition.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC) lauds the work done by world leaders in Puglia, Italy, during the 50th G7 Summit from June 13-15, 2024. The AIFC is especially pleased by to see the G7 leaders join Italy in launching the Puglia Food Security Initiative to address structural barriers to food security and build more resilient, sustainable, and productive agriculture and food systems. AIFC co-Chairs the Honorable Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti applauded the gathering stating,
“We congratulate the work done at this year’s G7 summit in beautiful Apulia, Italy. In particular, we are encouraged by the creation of the Apulia Food Security Initiative, which serves as a reminder that by forging meaningful partnerships, we can address the most pressing global challenges and reaffirm our shared values to chart a prosperous future.”
The AIFC encourages the U.S., Italy, and other G7 nations to continue building on the important work held at this conference to address global challenges and reaffirm shared goals.
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The American Italian Food Coalition is an alliance of more than 530 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 Anticipates the Beginning of 50th Annual G7 Summit in Puglia, Italy
June 13, 2024
Inquiries: press@aifcoalition.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On occasion of the 50th Annual G7 Summit to be held in Puglia, Italy, from June 13-15, 2024, the American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC) co-chairs the Honorable Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti released the following statement:
“We are pleased this year’s G7 summit will be held in beautiful Puglia, Italy. As stakeholders convene, we are reminded of the collective power and responsibility the G7 holds as leaders of the world’s most advanced economies. The AIFC recognizes the importance of strengthening global partnerships to promote environmental responsibility and affirm the strong trade ties that ensure consumers have access to high-quality, affordable products worldwide.”
The AIFC encourages the U.S., Italy, and other G7 nations to continue building on the important work held at this conference to address global challenges and reaffirm shared goals.
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The American Italian Food Coalition is an alliance of more than 520 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 Releases 2024 Sustainability Report
Press: press@aifcoalition.org
Today, the American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC) released the third installment in its white paper series with the “AIFC 2024 Sustainability Report,” which further solidifies the Coalition’s role as a leading voice in the Italian-American food community and underscores the importance of dialogue to drive sustainable, positive change to ensure the accessibility of Italian-produced foods.
AIFC Co-Chairs the Honorable Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti released the following statement on the report:
“This publication serves as a valuable resource for stakeholders across the industry, stimulating meaningful discourse and inspiring actionable solutions in sustainable agriculture systems worldwide. Through a combination of traditional wisdom and cutting-edge technologies, Italy’s agricultural sector continues to evolve towards a more sustainable and efficient future, setting an example for the global food industry.”
Some key takeaways from the report include:
Italy has a long-standing tradition of organic, sustainable agriculture, and Italian culture prides itself on fresh, natural, high-quality food and ingredients.
The increased demand for sustainable products from consumers means an increased need for sustainable agriculture. Partnering with farmers to invest in sustainable agriculture will help keep pace with this increased demand and will support a more secure and sustainable global food supply.
With Italy’s history and leadership in sustainability there are opportunities for countries, like the U.S., to learn from Italy’s sustainability efforts. There are important voluntary certifications, recycling and composting programs, and sustainable agricultural practices that the U.S. could adopt as they advance their sustainability goals.
As demand for traditional Italian products grows, so does the importance of the strong trade relationship between Italy and the U.S. that allows families and cultures to remain connected across the Atlantic – sustainable production and innovation in agriculture is critical to this mission.
The AIFC supports bilateral collaboration between Italy and the U.S. to improve sustainable agriculture processes and lead the way in global environmental sustainability.
To read the AIFC’s 2024 report on environmental responsibility, please click here.
To read the AIFC’s 2023 report on positive nutrition, please click here.
To read the AIFC’s 2022 report on the U.S.-Italy strategic partnership, please click here.
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The American-Italian Food Coalition is an alliance of more than 530 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. Co-chaired by former U.S. Representative Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti, AIFC members are committed to ensuring robust trade relations between the U.S. and Italy, environmental stewardship, and promoting a balanced diet.
AIFC Statement Regarding U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai’s Testimony at 2024 Trade Agenda Hearings
April 19, 2024
Inquiries: press@aifcoalition.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC) Co-Chairs Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti issued a statement regarding United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai’s testimony before Congress this week on the Biden Administration’s 2024 Trade Policy Agenda:
“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.
The AIFC commends Ambassador Tai for her continued commitment to working with our European partners to promote supply chain resilience through trade. We encourage the U.S. and EU to continue working to reach a permanent solution to this dispute that reaffirms the strong ties between the United States and Europe.”
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The American Italian Food Coalition is an alliance of more than 530 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 Embassy of Italy, American Italian Food Coalition, and the Italian Cultural Society of Washington DC Hold Annual Easter Egg Hunt to Benefit Local Charity
The annual event raised money in support of children’s health and advancements in medical research.
April 9, 2024
Press: Embassy of Italy [marco.landolfi@esteri.it] ; ICS [e.cirotti@italianculturalsociety.org] ; AIFC [press@aifcoalition.org]
Washington, D.C. - On Sunday, April 7th, the Embassy of Italy in the US, in collaboration 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 third consecutive year of the event.
Hosted by Italian Ambassador to the U.S. Mariangela Zappia at her residence, Villa Firenze, the event was attended by nearly 300 people, including more than 160 children and their parents. This year’s egg hunt raised nearly $30,000 in donations to the Center for the Advancement of Innovative Health Practices, bringing the total amount raised for the organization over three years to $70,000.
Ambassador Zappia highlighted the $70,000 the Embassy’s egg hunt has raised over three years to contribute to the improvement of medical prevention services for children and families, with additional positive impact on the quality of primary education.
AIFC co-chairs Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti offered brief remarks, stating, “We are grateful to everyone for attending today’s egg hunt in support of children’s health advancements in medical research. The AIFC is proud to ensure high-quality Italian products – like those we are enjoying today – remain available and affordable for American consumers.”
Sara Forden, journalist and board member of the Italian Cultural Society, also spoke.
The event was sponsored in part by AIFC member Ferrero, which provided chocolate treats and Kinder Joy of Moving activities. Special guests included Dr. Christina Bethell and Mr. Mark Wietecha, Managing Director of Manatt Health Strategies at Mannatt, Phelps, & Phillips, LLP.
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The American Italian Food Coalition is an alliance of more than 530 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.
American Italian Food Coalition Statement on 2024 Trade Policy Agenda
March 14, 2024
Inquiries: press@aifcoalition.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC) commends the United States Trade Representative (USTR) for the release of the 2024 President’s Trade Policy Agenda and 2023 Annual Report.
We are pleased to see inclusion of the Boeing-Airbus dispute in the President’s trade considerations. 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. However, nearly half way through this five year deal, a comprehensive status update has not been provided by either party.
The AIFC encourages the U.S. and the EU to continue building on this work to reach a permanent solution, and calls on USTR to expeditiously resolve this dispute to avoid disruptions in trade and reaffirm the strong ties between the U.S. 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.
The American Italian Food Coalition Welcomes Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s Second Visit to the White House
March 1, 2024
Contact: press@aifcoalition.org
On the occasion of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's second visit to the White House, American Italian Food Coalition co-chairs Hon. Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti released the following statement:
"On behalf of the American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC), we welcome Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s second visit to the White House. This visit reaffirms the strong relationship between the United States and Italy through shared strategic interests to address global challenges.
“The United States’ relationship with Italy is a long-standing partnership dating back centuries and has grown stronger with time due to shared democratic goals and cultural interests. The U.S. and Italy trade more than $100 billion annually in goods and services. Food products are among the highest exports from Italy to the U.S., and AIFC members remain committed to ensuring Americans have access to the uniquely Italian foods they have grown to love.
“These may be difficult and challenging times, but our nations have faced those before. With Italy’s presidency of the G7, we see this time as an opportunity for even greater collaboration, and look forward to continuing to strengthen this special relationship that has greatly benefited both countries for so many years.”
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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.
Ambassador of Italy Mariangela Zappia Joins At the Table with Susan and Lucy
Contact: 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 were honored to interview the Ambassador of Italy to the United States, Mariangela Zappia.
In her At the Table interview, Ambassador Zappia discussed the strong relationship between Italy and the U.S., the value of a balanced diet through the Mediterranean Diet model, Italian food fueling astronauts, the importance of sustainable food systems to preserve resources, and Italian food as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage candidate.
Ambassador Zappia emphasized the strong political and economic relationship between Italy and the United States to overcome geopolitical challenges:
“This is an extraordinary relationship that I want to underline… it is so strong that it always is there. This relationship is the backbone of the transatlantic partnership… We are living through challenging times, and the partnership is essential to the well-being of people… our principles and values are shared. The international community is in disorder, making the importance of allies even greater.”
Additionally, Ambassador Zappia highlighted the importance of the Mediterranean Diet model to Italian culture:
“The Mediterranean diet is important [to Italians]. It is natural for us to eat in this way… a healthy, balanced diet. We don’t exclude any food that is ‘bad’… it’s all about balance, tradition, community, and how you eat. How you eat includes everything, without criminalizing or labeling any food.”
To watch the full interview, please visit www.aifcoalition.org/atthetable.
Stay connected with the AIFC by following us on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn at @AIFCoalition.
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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 with prominent guests about Italian food, heritage, and politics.
THE EMBASSY OF ITALY IN WASHINGTON AND THE AIFC HOLD EVENT ON INNOVATION IN SUSTAINABLE SWINE MEAT AND OLIVE OIL
Inquiries: press@aifcoalition.org
Washington, D.C. – This week, the Embassy of Italy in Washington, together with the American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC), hosted a workshop to promote innovation and technology in sustainable swine meat and olive oil production. The event featured panelists representing academia, business, non-profits, environmental groups, and the media.
In her remarks, AIFC co-chair Lucy Calautti recognized the value consumers place on sustainability and the commitment of AIFC members to meet their needs, stating:
“The AIFC is dedicated to contributing to events like this which promote the accessibility of Italian products important to members of our coalition. We are dedicated to providing information from experts about positive nutrition, the benefits of the Mediterranean Diet, the growing necessity of sustainable agriculture, and the importance of dietary policy that follows a holistic nutrition model rather than a restrictive one. Demand for traditional Italian products is growing, highlighting the importance of the strong trade relationship between Italy and the U.S. that allows families and cultures to remain connected across the Atlantic – and for sustainable food systems to support this growth.”
This event was the third installment of a series hosted by the Embassy of Italy in partnership with the AIFC 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 RELEASES “PERSPECTIVES ON POSITIVE NUTRITION”
On September 15, the American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC) released Perspectives on Positive Nutrition, a report which outlines how expert opinions on positive nutrition indicate the importance of moving away from demonizing isolated food categories for evidence-based, holistic nutrition practices, such as the Mediterranean Diet model. This is the second report in the AIFC’s white paper series. The first paper, The U.S.-Italy Strategic Partnership, examines the long-standing strategic relationship between the U.S. and Italy and is available here.
Perspectives on Positive Nutrition emphasizes how, “Public health policies traditionally have promoted restrictive and reductionist approaches to diets with limited results…we can work away from reductionist approaches to nutrition through systems-based approaches, considering the foods we eat in totality and how all the different nutrients fit together in our daily lives.”
AIFC’s Co-Chairs Hon. Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti released the following statement on the occasion of the report’s release: “Positive nutrition must be the focus of our population to replace reductionist approaches with more constructive, consumer friendly models. With the Dietary Guidelines for Americans under review and the Farm Bill set for reauthorization this year, we encourage lawmakers to seize this pivotal moment in food policy to help shape a healthier future characterized by evidence-based action and positive approaches to nutrition.”
Key takeaways include:
The core concept of positive nutrition is to encourage consumption of healthy, nutritious foods as part of a balanced diet, rather than demonizing less nutrient-dense alternatives, and the importance of avoiding focus on individual nutrients in isolation.
The Mediterranean Diet model has been linked to numerous health benefits, including a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer, supporting healthy blood pressure and cholesterol, and slowing the decline of brain function during aging.
Evidence shows restrictive diets and isolated actions have a limited impact on obesity, and the prevalence of obesity has continued to rise. Systems-based thinking aims to move beyond binary thinking about good versus bad food, such as reducing sugar will directly result in reducing obesity.
More than half of Americans were found to be extremely or very interested in having nutritional information presented in a consistent way on the front of all food and beverage packaging, with the majority agreeing consistent front of package nutrition information would make healthy choices easier to make.[i]
Read the full report here.
The AIFC has been actively and continually advocating for a positive nutrition approach to food policy with Members of Congress, their staff, and industry stakeholders. In September 2022, the AIFC hosted the Positive Nutrition Roundtable, a multi-day event in partnership with the Mediterranean Diet Roundtable (MDR) and Cambridge Food Science that brought together world-renowned experts in nutrition and health to discuss the benefits of positive nutrition. Key takeaways from this roundtable are included in an edition of the international scientific journal Eating and Weight Disorders - Studies on Anorexia, Bulimia, and Obesity, which published “Positive Nutrition: Shifting the Focus from Nutrients to Diet for a Healthy Lifestyle.” Building on lessons learned in the 2022 Positive Nutrition Roundtable, AIFC hosted the Positive Nutrition Congressional Briefing in June 2023 to bring together nutrition and agriculture Congressional staff as well as Italian food product industry leaders to discuss shifting to positive nutritional strategies.
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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.
[i] Food Insight. (2021). IFIC Survey: Knowledge, Understanding and Use of Front-of-Pack Labeling in Food and Beverage Decisions: Insights from Shoppers in the U.S. https://foodinsight.org/ific-survey-fop-labeling/
New CDC Data Shows Obesity is a Growing Problem in Many States
September 26, 2023
Contact: press@aifcoalition.org
On Thursday, September 21, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) released the CDC 2022 Adult Obesity Prevalence Maps for all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and three U.S. territories. This survey is based on self-reported weight and height from an ongoing telephone interview survey conducted by the CDC and state health departments.
The updated maps emphasize the importance of the AIFC’s mission to promote positive nutrition through holistic, systems-based diet models like the Mediterranean diet, and the prevalent need for population-based policy interventions to ensure all people have access to healthy foods and evidence-based nutrition policy. Combined with data from 2020 and 2021, the 2022 map shows how obesity impacts some groups more than others. There are notable differences by race, education, age, and geographic location. All states and territories had an obesity prevalence of 20 percent, or more than 1 in 5 adults, and 22 states have an adult obesity prevalence at or above 35 percent. Obesity prevalence decreased as level of education increased, and adults aged 45-54 had the highest rates of obesity.
In a statement, Dr. Karen Hacker, director of the CDC’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion said, “Our updated maps send a clear message that additional support for obesity prevention and treatment is an urgent priority. Obesity is a disease caused by many factors, including eating patterns, physical activity levels, sleep routines, genetics, and certain medications. This means that there is no one size fits all approach.”
Hon. Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti, Co-Chairs of the AIFC, have hosted nutrition experts Dr. Paul Gately, Dr. Roberta Re, and Dr. Richard Clemens on their video series, At the Table this year for discussions about the importance of a positive approach based in holistic nutrition which reflects the links between diet, environment, lifestyle, and overall health maintenance. In addition, the AIFC hosted a 2023 Positive Nutrition Roundtable at the Embassy of Italy, followed by a Positive Nutrition Congressional Briefing on Capitol Hill this summer. Both events brought together nutrition experts from around the world to discuss the growing appetite worldwide for responsible portion sizes, balance, 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.
Nutrition Expert Dr. Roger Clemens Joins At the Table with Susan and Lucy
Contact: 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. This month, Susan and Lucy interviewed Dr. Roger Clemens, an Adjunct Professor at the University of Southern California Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, and a Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of PolyScience Consulting.
In his At the Table interview, Dr. Clemens discussed his global nutrition work in underserved communities. He emphasized the role of positive nutrition in fighting non-communicable diseases, stating,
“Non-communicable diseases are quite complex…We have to understand the culture and traditions, as well as genetics, of people in order to make a difference in their lives… We need to respect people, and once you respect people you need to gain their trust… once you do that, you can make great inroads into their health and promote better nutrition… The Mediterranean style diet is related to quality and accessibility of food…Many places with the highest rates of non-communicable diseases don’t have access to this food, and we have to make sure they do.”
The AIFC is proud to partner with experts like Dr. Clemens to promote positive nutrition worldwide. To watch the full interview, please visit www.aifcoalition.org/atthetable.
Stay connected with the AIFC by following us on Instagram, Twitter, Threads and LinkedIn at @AIFCoalition.
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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.
Margaret Valentine Joins At the Table with Susan and Lucy
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 Ms. Margaret Valentine, founder of Pound it Out LOUD Entertainment.
In her At The Table interview, Valentine discussed using her business savvy and background as a singer-songwriter to develop young women artists through her company, Pound It Out LOUD Entertainment. Valentine spoke about what inspires her as an artist, her various creative ventures, her heritage as an Italian-American, and work empowering young women, stating,
“I think women… in all different industries, are often marginalized. I think we are still held to a different standard than male colleagues. I knew I wanted to start a company… when I saw that women were not getting opportunities in the country music scene… Some say ‘it’s just the way it is, women need to bring it more.’ This preconception combined with the fact the music industry is very unfair... deals made with young artists often favor the label and don’t empower the artists, particularly female artists. I knew I wanted to start something different… I don’t want anyone telling her who she is, what she should say. Women supporting women has to be bigger than a hashtag on social media. You have to stick your hand out and actively support other women, including women who are your competition.”
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.
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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.