World Food Day Message from World Soy Foundation Executive Director Nathan Ruby
October 16, 2011....Brian, a boy I recently met in Guatemala, is a powerful testimony of the power of soy in children's lives. Brian lives with his grandmother near the Guatemala City dump, a place so dangerous that many people refuse to go there. In spite of a difficult life, Brian was wearing a big smile when I met him in September at the pediatric clinic that is part of World Soy Foundation project thanks to support from Cargill and Perry Foods.
Brian and a steady stream of children came in from the rain to enjoy a warm and nutritious soy-based meal. For many it was likely their only real meal of the day. Nine-year-old children arrived with their toddler siblings on their hips because their parents were out working. I wish you could have joined me in witnessing these kids patiently spooning protein-rich soy foods into little brothers and sisters’ eager mouths.
No one needed to tell these kids to "clean up your plate". The rice, meat and cake—all made with high-protein soy by smiling Cargill cooks—were delicious.
Maybe these positive experiences are why Brian dreams of being a chef someday.
My late September trip to Guatemala showed me something important. The young people that the World Soy Foundation supports are a powerful force to feed the world, now and in the future. October 16 is World Food Day. Supporting these kids today is an important investment in tomorrow. With your support, we can not only nourish these kids today. We can give them hope for a brighter tomorrow.
The World Soy Foundation’s work is not just giving kids the protein they need to grow and learn. These inspirational kids have figured out that soy presents an opportunity for them to serve others, learn business skills and improve their communities.
With support from U.S. soybean growers, Rotary groups and others, the World Soy Foundation provided for a SoyCow processing machine for a home that is a safe haven for some of the sweetest young ladies you will ever meet. Over the years, they have enjoyed the soy milk and many other soy-based foods from the SoyCow. Now one of the girls has completed her course work and has returned to be the new marketing person for soy foods the home. They are receiving their sales permit and will soon offer soy foods to the local community, bringing the benefit of soy nutrition to many others.
Similarly, two bright young women are in charge of the SoyCow in their amazing Guatemalan community of El Tabacal. They not only learned how to operate the SoyCow. They help manage the sales of soy milk and other soy products to their community.
This World Food Day, please join me in bringing the power of soy to more kids like Brian. We can nourish their bodies as well as their hope for a brighter tomorrow. With your support, kids like Brian will be the chefs of tomorrow.
