Food Aid a Mixed Blessing

October 10, 2001

The American Soybean Association (ASA) is "pleased" that soy foods can play a role in the relief efforts for Afghanistan refugees announced by the Bush Administration. The White House will expand its support of the refugees and provide an additional $320 million in humanitarian assistance, including $150 million in food aid.

Soy-based vegetable oil, corn-soy blend and wheat-soy blend have been used by relief agencies working in Afghanistan since they are protein sources that are readily used in food aid. The U.S. government has not yet determined the exact product mix, but these products and U.S. wheat are likely components.

ASA said it abhors the events that have led to the need for this relief package "but is proud that soy offers important nutritional benefits for such programs." Because of soy's role in international diets, ASA and state soybean organizations launched the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) Program last year.

The WISHH Program is helping America's soybean growers build relationships with countries where rapidly growing populations of all income levels can benefit from soy in their diets. Activities range from identifying new uses for soy-fortified noodles in Indonesia to providing a corn-soy blend to hurricane victims in Nicaragua to research on how soy-based foods may provide essential nutrition to the millions of people affected by HIV/AIDS.