SANA Position on Soymilk (Soy Milk) in Child Nutrition and WIC Programs
Offering Soymilk (soy milk) for Participants in Federal Food Programs As An Option for Those Not Choosing Cow’s Milk
Most soymilks (soy milk) currently on the market are fortified with 300-400 milligrams of calcium per cup. The majority of soymilks (soy milks) are also fortified to levels of vitamin D similar to cow’s milk fortification (100 IU per 8 ounces), as well as being fortified with vitamin A and vitamin B12. Soymilk (soy milk) is also low in saturated fat and contains no cholesterol. Many health groups recognize that fortified soymilk (soy milk) is an appropriate choice for children and adults who do not consume dairy products. The USDA’s 2000 Dietary Guidelines for Americans lists “soy-based beverages with added calcium” (1) along with milk and yogurt as a calcium source.
Issue: Special Supplemental Feeding Program for Women, Infants and Children
USDA will propose a revision in the food package to accommodate the cultural differences among for WIC recipients. The National WIC Association recommended USDA incorporate tofu and soymilk (soy milk) in the WIC food packages.
Recommended Policy Changes
To assure that all WIC recipients have access to nutritionally equivalent products, USDA should establish nutritional standards for soymilk (soy milk) available to WIC recipients. SANA recommends that the following nutritional standards be adopted for this purpose:
- Protein – 7 grams per 8 ounces, a level for soymilk (soy milk), established in the “Voluntary Standards for Composition and Labeling of Soymilk (soy milk) in the United States” submitted to FDA by SANA in 1996.
- Vitamin A & Vitamin D – Fortification levels required for cow’s milk in FDA regulations (100 IU for vitamin D and 500 IU for vitamin A per 8 ounces).
- Calcium – Fortification levels similar to cow’s milk of 300 mg per 8 ounces.
Issue: Child Nutrition Programs
SANA requests that the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Special Milk Program and Child and Adult Care Food Program all include soymilk (soy milk) that meets USDA nutritional standards for soymilk included in the WIC food package as part of reimbursable meals.
Recommended Policy Changes
SANA encourages the government to provide options, such as soy/meat blends, soymilk (soy milk), tofu, soy burgers and other soy foods, to those on food assistance whose religious, cultural, or dietary needs are not met by current food offerings. SANA supports the inclusion of soymilk (soy milk) and tofu into the WIC food package and soymilk (soy milk) as part of reimbursable meals in USDA’s Child Nutrition programs.
Soy food manufacturers are committed to producing high quality, highly nutritious foods that promote good health and taste good. Remember "Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol that include 25 grams of soy protein a day may reduce the risk of heart disease.” SANA provides information on soy food products and their sales volume, uses, food ideas, processing methods, nutrition and health benefits through our website, www.soyfoods.org, and by phone, 202-986-5600.
References:
(1) United States Department of Agriculture. Nutrition and Your Health: Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Home and Garden Bulletin No. 232 Fifth Edition, 2000.
