Institute of Medicine Recommends Soy in Nutrition Standards for Schools
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Soyfoods Association of North America
1050 17th Street, N.W.
Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 659-3520
Contact: Kelli Dieterich, Communications Director
Washington, D.C., April 27, 2007 – Soy beverages along with milk, 100% fruit juices and water are recommended as the healthy beverages for vending machines, school stores, athletic events, or other food outlets at school. The Institute of Medicine (IOM), Food and Nutrition Board’s report Nutrition Standards for Foods in Schools: Leading the Way Toward Healthier Youth set nutrient standards for fat, saturated fat, trans fat, sugar, and sodium consistent with the US Dietary Guidelines for food other than school meals sold at Elementary, Middle, and High Schools nationwide.
This monumental report recommends Tier 1 foods, which include foods and beverages that provide at least one serving of fruit, vegetables (which include legumes such as soybeans) and/or whole grains, or nonfat/low-fat dairy products including lactose-free and soy beverages, be offered for all Elementary and Middle schools during school hours, for after-school activities, and for fundraising activities. High School students are recommended to have access to Tier 1 foods during school hours. During after-school activities and fundraisers High School students may also choose Tier 2 foods and beverages, which can not exceed 200 calories per portion as packaged and must meet other guidelines for total calories from fat, saturated fat, trans fat, sugar and sodium content. These beverages must be non-carbonated, non-caffeinated, and unsweetened with no more than 5 calories per 8 ounce serving.
Members of the Committee on Nutrition Standards for Foods in Schools see the guidelines as a tool for Local School Wellness policies to utilize and as a roadmap for USDA to employ when reviewing the federal nutritional standards for the National School Lunch and Breakfast Program. The committee also noted that this guidance goes farther than just the meals provided in school cafeterias by setting nutritional standards for foods and beverages served in a-la carte lines, vending machines, and fundraisers.
“The inclusion of soy beverages and soybeans in the IOM’s recommendations is an important step towards ensuring nutritious and healthy soy products are offered to children in the school setting,” said Nancy Chapman, R.D. M.P.H., Executive Director of the Soyfoods Association of North America (SANA). “We commend the committee on their exceptional report and encourage Congress, USDA, and Local School Wellness policies across the nation to utilize the IOM’s guidelines for Nutritional Standards in Schools.”
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