Classroom at WSF-supported school with SoyCow operation in Guatemala. Teachers report girls are able to better comprehend their schoolwork after receiving soymilk in the morning. Photo Credit: Karen Coble-Edwards, KCE Public Affairs

Where does your acre go? As harvest approaches, farmers everywhere are planning where their crops will end up. Soybeans, in particular, are of interest to the World Soy Foundation (WSF) as those beans have the power to make a world of difference to hungry children around the world. Using the power of soy, the Foundation is bringing sustainable solutions to the greatest issue facing the world today, hunger—which takes more lives each year than AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria combined.

The Foundation’s Acre Challenge campaign, a fundraising campaign started by farmers for farmers, is a way U.S. soybean farmers can be a part of the solution to hunger, using a crop they work hard to grow. By donating the value of an acre of soybeans (yield multiplied by price), farmers can impact lives of those in the greatest need. The campaign is in its final weeks—ending Sept. 30—and the Foundation has raised over 94 percent of a $100,000 goal. Wonder where your acre would go if you gave to WSF? Check out this video, “Where Does My Acre Go?” to learn more.

Iowa, the Foundation’s top supporting state, is no stranger to the number one spot. The farmers of Iowa have led the charge with their Acre Challenge support, with 65 donors giving over $16,000. Iowa’s unwavering support has helped support projects like a SoyCow operation at a WSF-partner school in an impoverished area of Guatemala. Teachers at the school reported recently that they see firsthand how soy nutrition has contributed to the 120 girls’ ability to comprehend their schoolwork when they receive fresh soymilk for breakfast before class. Their support also helped the WSF mobilize an extruder in Nicaragua with the ability to produce two tons of corn-soy blend per hour, and holds the potential to feed thousands of people around Managua.

Not far behind the number one spot are the farmers of Illinois. These farmers continue to show that they know the difference the value of one of their acres can make. Since the Challenge started last October, nearly 50 donors have given over $13,600 to support the WSF in their work. It is a tight race for second place, as Missouri has crept its way up to nearly $13,400 donated by 13 individuals.

With one month left, the race to be the top supporting state and a leader in addressing the world’s greatest health risk is still in full force. By donating the value of an acre, not only will you be helping the state you call home reach the number one spot, but you’ll be helping the WSF reach their goal of $100,000 raised and joining them in reducing malnutrition through the power of soy. If just 24 people gave $250, which is well under the projected value of this year’s acre, the WSF would surpass their goal.

Give the gift of protein today! Make your donation by visiting www.worldsoyfoundation.org or sending your check to: World Soy Foundation; 12125 Woodcrest Executive Drive, Suite 100; St. Louis, Mo. 63141.