News Release
'Tri-State Bushels Beat Hunger Challenge’ Nourishes with Soy in America and Abroad
Cargill Soybean Processing Facility Organizes Soybean Grower Donations Made March 2-27
February 26, 2009…Soybean yields and sports teams are often a source of friendly competitions, but hungry people are going to be the real winners of a new “Tri-State Bushels Beat Hunger Challenge.” Sioux City area soybean growers are about to see whether its Iowa, Nebraska or South Dakota that is No. 1 at putting soy protein to work feeding the hungry in America and overseas.
Sioux City area soybean growers are urged to participate in the "Tri-State Bushels Beat Hunger Challenge" by donating five (5) cents per bushel of soybeans as they deliver to the Cargill Sioux City Soybean Processing facility between March 2 and 27, 2009. Proceeds will go to the Soy for Life Foundation for domestic programs as well as the World Soy Foundation, which works to alleviate hunger overseas. Cargill is organizing the challenge and will collect farmer donations. In addition, Cargill will award $500 to an area food bank in recognition of the winning state soybean organizations.
"As part of our commitment to nourishing the communities in which we work and live, partnering with the World Soy Foundation and Soy for Life Foundation in this Challenge is an excellent way to help fight hunger in America and abroad," says Jim Sutter, Iowa Regional General Manager for Cargill Grain and Oilseeds Supply Chain. "Engaging our customers in the effort shows that these types of partnerships foster collaboration that can make a huge difference around the world."
The Challenge builds on multiple other activities supported by soybean growers as well as Cargill. "We are excited about this opportunity to make it easy for soybean growers to contribute directly at their local Cargill facility," said Iowa Soybean Association Director Brian Kemp, a soybean farmer from Sibley, Iowa. "Cargill is already the largest industry donor to the World Soy Foundation and this provides another connection for farmers’ soybeans to be part of the solution for people who need better nutrition here and overseas."
The Soy for Life Foundation funds research to further the many health benefits of soy. It also funds programs to reach malnourished, under-served and hungry populations in the United States. As well as developing educational programs to increase the awareness of soyfoods and their many benefits, the Soy for Life Foundation has an industry advisory board to help direct and develop programs.
U.S. soybean growers created and lead the World Soy Foundation, a 501c3 charitable organization. The World Soy Foundation works with private voluntary and non-governmental organizations to deliver soy protein and nutrition education to people who need it around the world. Projects sponsored by the World Soy Foundation include complementary foods for children 6-36 months, school feeding programs and nutrition assessment and research services.
"Soybean grower donations to the World Soy Foundation play a powerful role in our work to partner with industry and others to feed even more children," said World Soy Foundation Executive Director Jim Hershey.
More than 963 million people are undernourished in the world. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, the ongoing financial and economic crises could tip even more people into hunger and poverty. UNICEF reports that undernutrition, including protein deficiency, is a major contributor to more than one-third of all deaths of children under age five. Hunger manifests itself in many ways other than starvation and famine. Long-term impacts of protein deficiencies include stunting in children and heightened susceptibility to illness of children and adults.
Media Contact: Karen Coble Edwards 703-281-7600 karen@kcegroup.com
