Orange Coast College's food science student product development team won second place at the 38th annual Student Product Development Competition hosted by the Southern California Institute of Food Technologists (SCIFTs) on March 3 in Anaheim, California.
Morgan Downie, culinary/food science; Anna Jensen, food science; and Hannah Thompson, nutrition and dietetics, made up the first team that OCC has sent to the competition and were the only community college competitors. They competed against universities including first-place winner California State University Polytechnic, Pomona, as well as Chapman University and San Diego State University.
Consumer and health sciences instructor Michelle Tu, a longtime supporter of SCIFT's, introduced the students to the competition and once they were onboard volunteered her time to mentor the team.
"I hope more students at this community college level can be as brave as these girls were, to go up against those other universities. They truly went into this with such willingness to try, learn, and prepare, before they matriculate," Tu says. "It was so rewarding to see the amount of growth, excitement and pride when they finished their presentation. Winning second place was just that icing on the cake for us all."
The team of volunteer students placed for "Girl Juice," a wellness beverage made with plum, acai, spinach and a proprietary blend of nutrients designed to support menopausal health.
"Everyone is constantly talking about GLP and weight loss, protein intake, but no one was addressing the importance of women's health as women are navigating these symptoms," Tu says. "The great thing about this juice too is that it focuses on bone density health. So this drink can be versatile, but focused at the same time."
SCIFTs is the local chapter of the national Institute of Food Technologists industry group. The competition is invitation-only within the schools that the organization consistently supports. It takes place during Suppliers Night, held in conjunction with the Natural Products Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center. Hundreds of people were in attendance and were able to view the student's project.
This is the first time OCC has competed, despite being involved with the organization through volunteer work.
"Our group has been working very hard all through the fall semester, winter break, and February to develop their product - not for credit," Tu says. "They are doing this on their own time or when it is possible to utilize the lab during my office hours."
Sunsweet Growers Inc. provided financial support for ingredients for the project and brainstorming with the team. They will be showcasing this winning wellness shot at the three-day national convention in July and providing OCC with credit for "Girl Juice."
"Girl Juice" will be presented May 1 by the team at OCC's Giles T. Brown Student Project and Research Symposium.