Members of Congress and their staffs today got a taste of why soyfoods are playing an increasing role in healthy diets at the American Soybean Association’s (ASA) fourth annual Congressional Soyfoods Lunch on Capitol Hill. Guests sampled a range of palate-pleasing soyfoods and beverages that highlighted the versatility of these nutrient-dense, protein-rich foods.

"The Congressional Soyfoods Lunch on Capitol Hill provides an opportunity for the U.S. soybean industry to showcase our diverse selection of healthy and good-tasting foods," said ASA President Bob Metz, a soybean grower from South Dakota. "We’re pleased that policymakers and their staff members, as well as other government employees, were able to sample some of the new and innovative soyfoods and beverages that are on the market today."

The menu included grilled flank steak marinated in soy sauce and soybean oil (among other ingredients); edamame; soy pasta; a mixed green salad with tofu croutons and spicy roasted black soy beans; a soy dip sampler; chocolate espresso pudding made with vanilla soymilk; oatmeal cranberry soy cookies and soy smoothies and other soy beverages.

Gold Level Sponsors of the Soyfoods Luncheon included Archer Daniels Midland Company; Monsanto Company; QualiSoy; Silk and The Soyfoods Council. The Solae Company was a Silver Level Sponsor.

Demand for soyfoods has increased steadily over the past several years. ASA worked with nutrition groups and Congress that supported legislation allowing schools to be reimbursed for offering soymilk to students. ASA is now working to ensure that soymilk is provided under the school lunch program and is added to the meal package under the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program.

By hosting the annual Congressional Soyfoods Lunch on Capitol Hill, ASA helps to increase awareness of soyfoods and their benefits among policymakers and other government officials.