News Release
Nebraska Soybean Growers Lead ‘Tri-State Bushels Beat Hunger Challenge’
March 27 Deadline Nears for Contest Supported by Cargill Sioux City Soybean Processing
March 19, 2009…Nebraska soybean growers are in the lead as the March 27 deadline approaches for Sioux City area soybean growers to participate in the challenge that will put more soy protein to work feeding the hungry in America and overseas. By donating a nickel per bushel, Nebraska soybean growers have contributed on 19,123 bushels since the competition began March 2. South Dakota producers have donated on 200 bushels while no commitments are in hand from Iowa soybean growers.
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 by March 27, 2009. Cargill has made the donation process simple by offering a short form that farmers can complete and hand to Cargill staff who will attach the commitment information to a scale ticket. Soybean growers can also donate a flat amount.
Farmer donations 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 will award $5000 to a food bank in the home state of the farmers who make the largest collective contribution. Cargill will contribute $3000 to a food bank in the second leading state and $2000 to a food bank in the state that places third.
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.
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
