The nation’s soybean producers, through the American Soybean Association (ASA), will serve an array of soy-based foods to members of Congress, government officials and industry representatives at a special Capitol Hill luncheon. The Seventh Annual Congressional Soyfoods Lunch is slated for noon to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, in Room 1302, Longworth House Office Building.

The luncheon has become an annual forum for ASA and its sponsoring partners to showcase soy-based food products, and to demonstrate the importance and benefits of soyfoods to sound human nutrition. In addition to Members of Congress and key Executive Branch representatives, ASA Board members, state farmer-leaders and media have been invited to attend.

"ASA’s Congressional Soyfoods Lunch is a unique occasion for the U.S. soybean industry to provide Members of Congress and other government officials the chance to taste for themselves the ever-expanding selection of soyfoods and beverages available today," said ASA President Johnny Dodson, a soybean producer from Halls, Tenn. "The health benefits of soy are becoming more widely-known, and this special luncheon affords ASA with an opportunity to give policymakers and their staff a chance to experience these benefits for themselves."

The 2009 Congressional Soyfoods Lunch menu includes: Cuban Black Soybean Soup, Crisp Edamame and Vegetable Salad, Vegetarian Beef Bul Gogi (Korean barbecue), Coconut Curry Chicken, Alfredo Primavera and SOYJOY, made with whole soy and real fruit. There will also be a refreshment bar featuring Apple Soy Chai Latte and Soy-tisfying Almond-Chocolate Cappuccino.

Partnering with ASA for the Seventh Annual Congressional Soyfoods Lunch on Capitol Hill are sponsors Archer Daniels Midland Company, Monsanto, Solae, The Soyfoods Council and SOYJOY.

Nutritionists point out that soy can complement or fortify balanced diets, rather than compete with products that are already consumed. Soy foods have become an important staple in U.S. federal nutrition programs, such as the school lunch program, where the addition of soy can benefit existing menus.