RFA Ethanol Podcast

USDA Makes Soy a Staple for WIC

Laura McNamara

SoyfoodsThe USDA says soybeans, soymilk and tofu are nutrient-rich foods for nutritionally vulnerable women and children. Maybe you should consider including more soy in your diet too.

To meet the growing needs and food preferences of diverse families participating in the Women, Infants, and Children Supplemental Food Program (WIC), USDA has incorporated tofu and soymilk into the revised WIC food packages. Both women and children will also be able to select dried and canned whole soybeans in the WIC food packages. These soyfoods provide a high quality protein equal to animal sources as well as calcium, iron, and fiber, without increasing saturated fat and cholesterol in diets. The changes to the WIC food packages ensure those at nutritional risk have access to a variety of nutritious foods to meet cultural needs.

The Soyfoods Association of North America (SANA) applauds the tremendous insight and dedication of USDA staff to review thousands of comments and to devise rules that balance all interests and advance the health of the most nutritionally vulnerable. These new rules accommodate the cultural food preferences and nutrient needs of the women, infants, and children served by WIC and meet the recommendations in the 2005 Dietary Guidelines.

Food, Soybean