FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BLOOMINGTON, ILL – July 11, 2022 – The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) is taking the power of soy protein messaging to the very doorstep of food manufacturers in Chicagoland as part of the association’s “Power of Soy Protein Tour” via a soy-branded mobile experience unit.

With demand for protein on the rise worldwide, consumers’ strong and growing interest in protein is creating new opportunities for key customers in the Illinois food ecosystem. ISA’s goal is to strengthen the relationship between local agriculture and food companies, sharing the benefits of choosing an ingredient grown by local soybean farmers who are committed to taking soybean quality and sustainability to the next level.

The Power of Soy Protein Tour has scheduled several on-site visits with a variety of food manufacturers and consumer events throughout Illinois including:

July 11th at the IFT Fun Run in Chicago
July 12th at the Farmer’s Fridge event Chicago
July 14 at the Illinois Products Farmers Market in Springfield, Ill.
July 29th at the ISA Night at the Corn Crib in Normal, Ill.

Tour attendees will enjoy complimentary, hand-crafted soy lattes, learn about soy as a powerful plant-based protein, meet local farmers and explore soy as a powerhouse of delicious possibilities in product innovation.

“Soy is far from a newcomer on the food scene but is due for a resurgence in popularity,” says Rachel Peabody, Director of Communications for ISA. “A casual stroll down any grocery aisle these days proves that consumers are looking for more protein in the products they’re consuming. And today’s savvy consumers aren’t just looking for a healthy protein source, but one that’s environmentally friendly. Illinois-grown soy fits that bill.”

A key message ISA is bringing to consumers and the food industry is that soy is a heart healthy, complete protein that’s versatile and grown sustainably. Soy is the only plant-based protein carrying FDA’s heart health claim confirming it may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. It also contains all nine amino acids essential for human health, making it the only complete oilseed protein comparable to animal protein.

Soy is also sustainably-grown by local Illinois farmers using innovative conservation practices.

The mobile unit allows Illinois soybean farmers to connect directly with the food industry and facilitate needed conversations about how Illinois-grown soybeans can positively impact a company’s environmental footprint, social image, and even profitability.

“The word is out that soy is good for our bodies, and good for the environment,” says Peabody. “We’re here to demonstrate that soy as an ingredient is also good for a company’s bottom line.”

The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) checkoff and membership programs represent more than 43,000 soybean farmers in Illinois. The checkoff funds market development and utilization efforts while the membership program supports the government relations interests of Illinois soybean farmers at the local, state, and national level, through the Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG). ISA upholds the interests of Illinois soybean producers through promotion, advocacy, and education with the vision of becoming a market leader in sustainable soybean production and profitability. For more information, visit the website www.ilsoy.org and www.ilsoygrowers.com.