Welcome to the last week of July 2013. The year’s really only a little more than halfway over, but it’s in the bizarre transitional phase between summer finals—for Cuesta students with summer classes, what remains of summer break for both them and everybody else—and the start of a new year of school. So this has the distinction of being halfway through the calendar year, but a little before the beginning of a term. After said summer finals are done (good luck on those, btw), it’s time to really kick the shenanigans into gear!
Last week, for example, Cal Poly students of food science and nutrition (FSN) competed in the Institute of Food Technologists’ international competition at its annual meeting and food expo. The competition tested student teams on their ability to develop nutritious food solutions for various real-world challenges. This by itself is pretty cool, but it gets better when you hear that Cal Poly did very well! In the Disney-IFTSA Product Development Competition, for example, Cal Poly’s students took first place. They were presented with the task of developing a snack aimed at children younger than 12 that integrated a fruit or vegetable, was market relevant, tasty, and healthy. The resulting product by our Mustang FSNs was a sweet fruit-based dip containing more than one full serving of fruits and vegetables as well as a baked apple. Another Cal Poly team took second prize in the Developing Solutions for Developing Countries category, in which they were charged with creating food product supplements to address malnourishment of patients served by HIV clinics in developing nations. The team’s product, Malawi Mix, used local ingredients such as Malawian fish and processes available for use in the region, resulting in a sweet-and-salty, easy-to-swallow paste that provides children with HIV the daily nutrients they need. Both winning teams were awarded cash prizes for their achievements. Congratulations to the participating students!
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: It’s your turn now. You don’t have to be Phineas to make the most of your summer! Also, just because July is ending doesn’t mean summer’s quite over yet—but why waste any time now? Get out there and do something you’ll be able to tell your friends and children excitedly about! Just remember, if you get arrested, it’s not my fault.
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This article appears in Jul 25 – Aug 1, 2013.