Student-run food fair will showcase study abroad destinations
Cal Poly is hosting A Taste of the World food fair on Wednesday Feb. 26, with the goal of advertising study abroad locations available to students through the International Center.
The twist on A Taste of the World is that it’s completely powered by students, from the fair’s planning to the food preparation of the various dishes from around the world.
“The International Center will come up with the countries that we want featured at the event, and then the FSN [Food Science and Nutrition] and EIM [Experience Industry Management] classes are divided into groups by country, and the FSN class will create food to serve at the event from that country,” International Center Study Away Coordinator Jessica Michelson said. “EIM students will create activities for the event in country brochures and elevate the event with their event planning.”
The courses featured in this event are FSN 344: Food Service Operations II and RPTA 320: Strategic Event Planning. FSN 344 falls under the Food Science and Nutrition Department and RTPA 320 falls under the EIM or Experience Industry Management Department.
A Taste of the World is set to feature booths from six different countries: Ireland, Australia, Ghana, Costa Rica, Thailand and Cuba.
In addition to the student-prepared dishes, each booth will present a themed event attraction, including performances from the Cal Poly Salsa Club and traditional Irish dancing, as well as games and trivia.
“[At the] Costa Rica tables, we’ll be featuring coffee that students who participate in the Cal Poly in Costa Rica program help produce in Costa Rica when they’re studying there,” Michelson said.
Julia Garey, a student on the EIM side of the fair, says the process of planning this event has been really fun for her.
“I go to the food lab, try food from all the countries and I’m excited for the students to kind of be immersed in trying the different types of food because it’s really exciting and fun and kind of just learn more about the abroad programs,” she said.
The fair will happen on Baker Lawn, Feb. 26 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. More information can be found on the International centers website.
