Synthesis Unit: Food – You Are What You Eat

Overview poster | Food – You Are What You Eat (pdf schedule) | Facebook photo album

Students paired hands on knowledge with critical thinking skills in the exciting conclusion to Anacapa’s annual synthesis unit. After the conclusion of the guest lecture’s presentations, this year’s unit on food culminated in all-school field trips to locations that illustrated the many aspects of local agricultural industry.

The excursions began with a tour of Five Loaves Farm by manager Emiko Corey. Eloquently stressing the ethical implications of sustainable farming, Corey explained how a farm can integrate with the local environment to eliminate the use of chemicals and produce a more wholesome crop. By providing free produce to local charities, Emiko and others at Five Loaves Farm give back to the community in their own way, and inspire students to do the same.

After departing from Five Loaves Farm, students were greeted with the second stop of the day. Dave Peck, owner of Manzanita Berry Farms, graciously permitted Anacapa students and faculty access to his facilities. In contrast to Five Loaves Farm, Mr. Peck’s business maintains a strawberry crop covering over 200 acres in Santa Maria. Students had the opportunity to inquire about the different facets of a large scale farming operation, such as pesticide use, safety regulations, genetically modified organisms, and corporate distribution agreements.

The day concluded with an interesting follow up by Bob Engel of Engel and Gray Inc about Santa Barbara’s burgeoning composting initiative. Following a comprehensive tour of his tour of his industrial composting facility, Engel kindly fielded student questions and awarded prizes.