(Ed. Note: ever since our work with soy foods in Guatemala in the 1970s, Plenty has been asked for technical support by communities and organizations from all parts of the world who want to integrate soyfoods into local diets. We also get questions from people asking how and why Plenty promotes the use of soyfoods as a means of improving the diets of undernourished populations. Chuck Haren is the Director of CAFSI (Central American Food Security Initiative) and has many years of experience with projects involving soy.)

The indigenous communities that request assistance from Plenty to learn soy foods processing, do so in an effort to make more locally grown, organic, non-GMO (non-genetically modifi ed organisms), high nutrient, low cost foods available for their people. They want to supplement their diets, not replace traditional or customary foods.

Soybeans and fresh soy foods are a good source of protein, iron, calcium, and B vitamins, all of which are essential to human growth and health. Our Mayan friends in Guatemala have realized first hand the benefits of including small amounts of fresh soymilk and cheese/tofu in their family diets, and they are making these same foods available to other economically disenfranchised people.

Due to its cost and accessibility, cow’s milk is not a viable option for a great majority of the indigenous population. Even if it were, reputable studies have shown that approximately 75% of the Mayan population in Guatemala are lactose intolerant as are 73% of the rural population (mostly indigenous) in Mexico.

Plenty does not encourage the use of processed foods that contain soy isolates or other concentrated soy derivatives. Most of these highly processed commercial soy foods, including margarine, oil, infant formulas, and even cereals are made with the use of petro-chemicals to help extract or concentrate the desired soy derivative, be it oil or protein.

In regard to the negative environmental effects of largescale production of soybeans: we believe that the destruction of huge tracts of forestlands to produce any crop is harmful and irresponsible. The companies involved in large-scale soy agriculture are not growing soybeans for the production of fresh foods. They are making animal feed for meat producers and hydrogenated oils for the mass market. Plenty does not encourage, in any way, big-scale chemically based production of genetically modified soybeans or any other GM crops. We help economically disenfranchised indigenous communities develop the capacity to provide for their own basic needs, including food security. We encourage agricultural performed on a small scale, promoting increased organic production of traditional corn, amaranth, vegetables and, when requested, small quantities of soybeans (1/4 acre to 1 acre) in rotation with traditional crops. Our agricultural support also includes helping farming families reduce and eventually eliminate the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers.