ASA’s World Initiative for Soy in Human Health Executive Director Gena Perry shared the benefits of U.S. soy during a nutrition security roundtable led by Edesia Nutrition in Rhode Island on Nov. 3. Edesia hosted the discussion and a plant tour where participants, including UNICEF and the U.S. Agency for International Development, saw how Edesia uses the soy protein equivalent of more than 512,000 bushels of soybeans each year as well as high oleic soybean oil in its foods that are distributed throughout the world. Edesia has tripled its use of soy flour since 2021 and manufactures 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

WISHH is partnering with Edesia on a United Soybean Board project. This soy checkoff investment is allowing WISHH to work with Edesia on product formulation and evaluation of a Ready-to-Use Supplementary Food that contains the highest level of soy that Edesia has ever used.

Perry was able to provide information on the partnership during Edesia’s nutrition security program that focused on how to accelerate progress on global food security.  Participants explored cost-effective strategies and opportunities for additional cooperation.