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Soy - Frequently Asked Questions
MN WIC Program
- Is tofu a good source of Vitamin D? (06/10/09)
- Why does tofu qualify as a milk substitute? (06/10/09)
- What makes "Silk" soy milk not eligible for the new food package? (06/10/09)
- Are vendors required to carry the soy beverage and tofu? Is there a minimum stock requirement for soy beverages? (06/10/09)
Is tofu a good source of Vitamin D? (06/10/09)
Tofu is not a source of Vitamin D. CPAs will need to counsel on ways the participant can get adequate Vitamin D, just as they should with participants who rely on other milk substitutes such as cheese and yogurt.
Why does tofu qualify as a milk substitute? (06/10/09)
For participants who do not use or like milk, tofu can be a useful milk substitute to provide calcium and protein. Tofu is not equivalent to milk; it does not provide all the nutrients that milk provides. Furthermore, calcium content varies by brand; a serving of tofu may not have as much calcium as a cup of milk would. CPAs need to assess the participant's intake and counsel on sources of nutrients that may be missing.
What makes "Silk" soy milk not eligible for the new food package? (06/10/09)
To be WIC-eligible, federal regulations require soy-based beverages to be fortified with specified amounts of certain nutrients. During the WIC-allowed food approval process, state WIC staff evaluated the nutrient profile of each soy-based beverage available for sale in Minnesota. "Silk" did not meet the nutrient requirements. For specific requirements, go to the federal regulations at: http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/lawsandregulations/WICRegulations-7CFR246.pdf
Are vendors required to carry the soy beverage and tofu? Is there a minimum stock requirement for soy beverages? (06/10/09)
No. There is no minimum stock requirement for either soy beverage or tofu. However, if a customer (WIC Participant) requests either item, the store must ensure that a sufficient quantity is in stock and available for purchase within one week of the request. Local agencies should inform participants of this, when appropriate. Most large stores will carry these products routinely. However, you could encourage participants to contact the store in advance to see if the item(s) are available. Most smaller stores will need advance notice to order these items.
