Oct 20, 2022Nut industry leaders advance 2030 health, hunger and nutrition goals
As legislators and business leaders resolve to close the hunger gap, the Peanut and Tree Nut Processors Association (PTNPA) is focusing on how the multifaceted nut industry aligns with the 2030 nutrition and food safety goals recently proposed at the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. PTNPA includes executive owners and operators of companies that shell, process, salt and/or roast peanuts and tree nuts, and those that supply equipment and services to the industry for the original plant-based protein commodities.
“Our member companies exhibit unwavering support to accelerate improved access to nutritious nut-based products, along with innovative approaches in advancing public health,” shares Jeannie Shaughnessy, executive director and CEO of PTNPA. “We’re thrilled to see a sense of unity across sectors when it comes to ensuring the nutritional needs of all households and consumers are met.”
Ahead of National Nut Day on Saturday, October 22, the association recognizes the nutritious products its members represent, along with advancements in creating consumer access to safe, shelf-life stable, plant-based foods. National Nut Day is observed annually to celebrate the power of healthy and delicious ingredients, snacks, nut butters, beverages and other innovative products. In PTNPA’s public factsheet, the association highlights why nut commodities are essential to advancing public health and nutrition goals in the U.S. and beyond.
- Nuts are the original minimally processed plant-based protein.
- Nuts are a nutrient-dense food and a great source of fiber and protein.
- According to the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans, peanuts and other nuts are “important sources of iron, zinc, protein, choline and long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids,” all of which contribute to healthy childhood development.
- 64% of children surveyed said they’d eat more fruits and vegetables with their favorite nut butter dip.
- Research has found that people who are at risk of a heart attack can cut their risk by eating a healthy diet that includes nuts.
As a part of National Nut Day outreach, PTNPA members will connect with congressional offices by inviting leaders to members’ operations to brief them on the critical public health and economic importance of the nut industry. Representing every nut commodity, and with members in every state in the union, this linked graphic provides an illustrated visual depicting the five states with the most PTNPA members and other key business demographics.
“With all the difficulties our industry is facing today—port issues, supply chain challenges, work force dynamics, increased regulatory expectations—it is more important than ever to ensure that our communities and leaders understand how critical our industry is,” shares Jeannine Grech, PTNPA Board Member, Campos Brothers Farms. “PTNPA members are strong champions of the nut industry and we will continue to advocate and work with our communities and government leaders so that we can remain at the forefront of innovation and solutions in food safety, stability, accessibility, and nutrition.”
The nut industry’s alignment with the 2030 hunger and nutrition goals also stems from its work to pioneer food safety-conscious businesses. Member companies of the association came together this summer in Chicago to meet at the industry’s annual Technical Forum to openly discuss rapidly advancing technology, collaboration and the agility efforts required to continually manage and enhance a safe, stable food supply. Expert presenters from The Global Food Defense Institute, the Food Fraud Initiative (founded by Michigan State University), the FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition and other accomplished speakers shared their insights and proposed solutions for an increasingly complex industry. PTNPA also proudly announced the 4th edition of its Handbook for Safe Processing of Nuts.
