We are what we eat.
Opponents of GMOs are well aware of that and do not want to embody the controversial genetically modified organisms.
GMOs are the result of a process where genes from a species DNA are taken out and inserted into a plant or animal. “Foreign genes may come from bacteria, viruses, insects, animals or even humans,” according to the Institute for Responsible Technology.
GMOs are present in many processed foods, fruits and vegetables. Companies are not currently required to label when they are used. Only organic foods are prohibited from using GMOs.
SWC’s Sustainable Research Alliance (SRA) is a student club concerned with the prevalence of GMOs in food products.
SRA hosted a screening of the documentary “GMO OMG,” a father’s exploration of the food his children consume.
SRA President David Sanchez said he watched the movie on his own and decided it was important to share with the club. SRA’s goal is to raise awareness among SWC students on GMOs. Members plan to approach the governing board next semester about the lack of healthy and organic food choices in the campus cafeteria, Sanchez said.
“It would be great to get the support from the college and have organic options available on campus,” he said.
Sanchez said club member Ambar Guido has been key in the club’s interest to learn more about GMOs and pushing to reform campus cafeteria food.
“This semester she’s a senator at the ASO, so that helps a lot as well because she’s also trying to help us push the cafeteria issue to the governing board,” he said.
Guido said she eats organic as often as possible, but it is difficult at SWC when there are so few options.
ASO President Sayaka Ridley also said there is a need for healthier options. She said ASO officers have spoken to SWC President Dr. Melinda Nish about creating more options for students.
“We want to do that by having more organic food,” she said. “We want variety.”
SRA is looking to partner with the Biology Club to explore using the college greenhouse to grow organic food, said Sanchez.
He said that as well as informing students, they are also working to first inform themselves.