Vitasoy Launches New Refrigerated Soymilkwith Donation of 44,000 Cartons to America's Second Harvest Food Banks Nationwide

America's Second Harvest
Monday, 13 August 2001

To mark the launch of its new refrigerated soymilk line, Vitasoy USA Inc., one of the nation's leading soyfoods producers, this week donated 44,000 cartons (approximately 285,000 servings) of soymilk to food banks in major East and West Coast cities. Vitasoy's new Refrigerated Soymilk, which comes in Creamy Original, Rich Chocolate and 1% Low Fat Vanilla Delite, is available now in the dairy section of grocery and natural foods stores nationwide.

Vitasoy's award-winning Refrigerated Soymilk is made with non-GMO, certified organic soybeans and has a rich, creamy taste. It is heart-healthy, cholesterol free and fortified with calcium, riboflavin, zinc and Vitamins A, D and B12. Vitasoy Original and Low Fat Vanilla Delite flavors are 100-percent organic. All flavors are available in half-gallon and quart size cartons with a convenient "fresh cap" screw top.

"Food banks around the country are hungry for foods rich in protein," said Jerry Maynard, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Vitasoy. "We are happy to be able to assist these organizations with Vitasoy's new, Refrigerated Soymilk, which provides an excellent source of protein as well as all of the health benefits of soy."

Vitasoy is a longtime supporter of area food banks in both the Boston metropolitan area and San Francisco Bay Area, where it has plants. Recipients of Vitasoy's Refrigerated Soymilk include food banks of: San Francisco, Connecticut, Michigan, Merrimack Valley (N.H.), Worcester County (Mass.), Greater Boston, Rhode Island Community, Western Massachusetts, Eastern Michigan, Central New York, Gleaners Community (Detroit) and City Harvest (N.Y.).

"Non-profits across the board are suffering right now and foods banks are no different," said Maurice Weaver, media relations manager of America's Second Harvest, the nation's largest domestic hunger relief organization, which helped distribute the donation. "Vitasoy's donation of soymilk comes at a critical time when families are feeling the economic crunch and this contribution enables us to reach hundreds of thousands of people in need."

Each eight-ounce-serving (one cup) of Vitasoy Refrigerated Soymilk has 90 to 160 calories, two to four grams of fat, four to seven grams of soy protein and provides 30 percent of the RDA of calcium, 10 percent Vitamin A and two to six percent RDA of iron, respectively. The suggested retail price for quarts is $1.79 to $1.99 and half-gallons retail for $2.99 to $3.49.

The FDA recommends eating 25 grams of soy protein a day to lower cholesterol and prevent heart disease. Vitasoy Refrigerated Soymilk provides a delicious source of soy protein that is easy to incorporate over cereal, in coffee, in milk shakes, smoothies, or as an everyday drink to accompany cookies, sandwiches or a favorite dessert. It also is a perfect heart-healthy addition to many favorite recipes.

Founded in 1979, Vitasoy USA Inc. is a leading producer and marketer of soy beverages, tofu, Asian pastas, teas and juices, with annual sales totaling $64 million in 2000. The company markets its products under several brand names, including Vitasoy®, Azumaya®, Nasoya®, and Vita®. As North America's leading soyfoods producer, Vitasoy USA Inc. was the early force in mainstreaming soymilk in American markets. The company is based in South San Francisco.

For more information, or to contact America's Second Harvest, see their website at: www.secondharvest.org