Success Story: Illinois Soybean Association

We really appreciate all the work you have done to “go above and beyond.” We have been very pleased with all aspects of the FoodPlay program and we have already starting “bragging” about the best Soyfoods Month promotion we have ever had. Keep up the good work!”
—Mark Albertson, Director of Marketing & Special Projects, Illinois Soybean Association

In response to the nation’s alarming childhood obesity epidemic, Illinois soybean farmers with their soybean checkoff partnered with FoodPlay Productions from 2009 to 2012 to bring FOODPLAY to 142 Illinois schools during April, National Soyfoods Month. Thanks to sponsorship by the Illinois Soybean Association, the “Celebrating Soy! – FOODPLAY Tour” has reached over 173,000 children and their families with essential nutrition and health information to help Illinois residents take charge of growing up healthy and fit.

The Illinois Soybean Association is the statewide organization for Illinois soybean growers. The farmers on its board administer soybean checkoff funds to administer legislation and membership programs, and to support research, promotions, and educational programs designed to increase demand for Illinois soybeans.

“April is ‘Soyfoods Month’ and our partnership with FOODPLAY is helping get a great message out to thousands of students throughout Illinois,” said Ron Moore, chairman of the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) and soybean grower from Roseville, Ill. “FOODPLAY is effective in reaching children with important nutrition information, including the importance of healthy proteins like the ones found in the soybeans growing throughout Illinois.”

As part of the “Celebrating Soy! – FOODPLAY Tour,” schools receive a FOODPLAY theater assembly along with a comprehensive resource kit to keep the nutrition and health messages alive at home and in school all year long. Follow-up materials are provided for everyone involved—teachers, students, parents, school food service, and health staff. According to USDA-sponsored evaluations, FOODPLAY programs produce dramatic improvements in students’ eating and exercise habits and trigger communitywide interest in building healthy environments.

Rave Reviews

The show was incredible! It was so much fun, so lively and positive and funny and inspiring! The kids adored it, and the teachers raved about it from the minute it ended. Our principal asked me how she could recommend this to others, she was so pleased. We are incredibly appreciative to you and the Illinois Soybean Association. What a tremendous opportunity it was for our kids to be able to enjoy this terrific, educational program for free.”
—Cathy Hensley, LeClaire Elementary School, Edwardsville, IL

Thank you for the opportunity to partner with FoodPlay during Soyfoods Month! We have received excellent feedback from the schools where we sponsored the performances. The extremely talented FoodPlay actors were able to captivate everyone’s attention while conveying educational health messages in a very entertaining and memorable way. It was clear that the children enjoyed the show and learned how to become healthier. Thanks to organizations like FoodPlay, together we are making a difference in children’s lives. We are looking forward to working with you again next year!”
—Mark Albertson, Director of Marketing & Special Projects, Illinois Soybean Association

Sampling of Press Coverage

Fun with food: Show touts benefits of healthy diet
The Pantagraph (PDF), Bloomington, IL

Sycamore students hear healthy message
Daily Chronicle (PDF), DeKalb, IL

FOODPLAY group stresses nutrition
News Tribune (PDF), LaSalle, IL

FOODPLAY at Reagan
Bureau County Republican (PDF), Princeton, IL

FOODPLAY featured at Frohardt
Today’s Advantage (PDF), Alton, IL

More:

• Daily Herald, Suburban Chicago, IL
• The Shopper, South Holland, IL