WEST MIDDLE SCHOOL hears from animal farming expert

On October 23 a very special presenter, Brece Clark, returned to West Middle School. Clark spoke with all seventh-grade science students on Modern Animal Agriculture. Another term for this practice is “factory farming.”

    

Clark's presentation gave the students much food for thought. One question that was raised during the presentation was why are some foods ethically responsible, while other foods are ethically irresponsible.

Clark also presented the idea that certain food choices are culturally or religiously dependent. That is, some cultures eat dogs, while here in the United States eating dogs is not culturally acceptable.

Clark told the students that 95 to 99 percent of all animals raised, are in factory farming conditions. Overcrowding and dark and unsanitary conditions are the norm. Most animals we consume have been injected with antibiotics that are fast becoming immune to superbugs.

     

With the information presented by Clark, students were asked to question their present diet and see if there were opportunities to make healthier and ethically inspired food choices. Even small changes in our diet can lead to major improvements in our health and environment.

Thanks to Clark for visiting West’s seventh-grade science students. The information presented was interesting and thought provoking.  As we analyze our food choices we will be able to make healthier choices based on Clark's ethically inspired presentation.

-- Submitted by Sara Bochenek