Teens Learn by Mouth at the Strawberry Blast

Some 300 students from all over Santa Cruz County arrived by buses and walked the path to feast at the UCSC Life Lab today. Guests of FoodWhat?! got to see, feel and taste what real food can be.

They took turns pedaling the stationary bike that powered a blender for making smoothies.

They made their own strawberry tarts.

They wandered the grounds and saw goats on display for their cheese-making proficiency. They saw herbs and vegetables growing in beds according to principles of sustainability.

“This event lets students see how nutritious food can be delicious,” said Abby Bell, coordinator of FoodWhat?! since the program began five years ago, an offshoot of Life Lab. "We don't necessarily expect them to go home and start composting with worms, but we want to show them high-quality food."

Driscoll's of Watsonville donated organic strawberries by the cartload. Strauss graciously provided the many gallons of yogurt. Amber Turpin, Allison O'Sullivan and Jessica Hoffmann encouraged students to make their own at the Strawberry Blast tart table. Shells were baked ahead of time, then set out with yogurt and strawberries for students to assemble into a tasty treat.

The smoothie station was always crowded, as students whirled strawberries with orange juice, milk and yogurt into a refreshing drink. Bell asked students how they liked the smoothies.

“They're awesome,” said one student. “Red fruits and vegetables are good for your heart.” Students found out that eating foods from the whole color spectrum is a sign they're getting all the nutrients for vigorous health.

Oscar Salvador was one of the Pajaro Valley High School “Grizzlies” invited to sample the wares. “It's fun coming here, getting out of class and experiencing new things,” he said.

Fellow Grizzly Paulino Juarez said he already eats healthy food at home. Oranges, bananas, squash and broccoli are some of the foods his family enjoys.

Students took handfuls of good soil from the wheelbarrow to pot small lettuce plants they'll nurture, and eat, at home.

A gorgeous view of redwoods and ocean let the students know this was not industrial agriculture, but a well-loved garden where enormous care is taken to grow things without the chemicals used in some industrial agriculture. Life Lab is farm- and garden-based education for teachers, and for all ages—preschoolers to adults—now in its 32nd year. FoodWhat?! is its powerful outreach to county youth.

Throughout the garden are displays about vermiculture, composting, native plants, herbs and beekeeping.

The FoodWhat?! mission statement declares it is “a youth empowerment and food justice program using food, sustainable agriculture and health as the vehicle for teen leadership development and personal growth. We are growing strong, empowered youth who are growing healthy food for our low-income community.”

Bell underscored the mission by adding, “Youth can find their voices to express what they believe in.”

As part of empowerment, one of the stations dealt with food issues relating to land use and worker treatment. Students got to ponder contrasting stories: “Miguel” is paid $13 an hour, gets annual raises, works eight hours a day, has decent housing and is treated with respect. “Javier” is paid $5.50 an hour, gets an additional 50¢ for every liter he picks, works 11 hours a day, has housing only eight months a year and receives little respect. Students were invited to comment on the difference.

Admissions officer Santiago Calderon was on hand to encourage students to consider college at UC Santa Cruz. “The power of education!” he was saying to one student. “You have to write a personal statement to be considered for admission here. You might want to include something you learn here today in that statement. Hope to see you on campus!”