46B-11 |
Social service at the "Bocado del Pobre" nursing center |
S. E. GÓMEZ-BUENO and G. V. NEVÁREZ-MOORILLÓN. Food Science and Technology Graduate Program, Universidad Autonoma de Chihuahua, P.O. Box 1542 - C, Chihuahua, 31170, Mexico The nursing center "Bocado del pobre" is an non profit organization attended by three nouns, that have around 60 elderly ranging from 60 to 105 years old. Most of them have no relatives, or they cannot take care of them, most of them don't pay quotes. In order to obtain resources, the nouns ask for donations. Fruits and vegetables are obtained from Chihuahua's Central Market, and many of them are in an advanced maturity stage. As an outreach activity, students from the Food Science Program at UACh, under the supervision of professors form the same Institution, industrialized many of the fruit and vegetable products that were donated to the nursinghome, to enlarge their shelf life. From August 2001 to March 2002, three students processed fruits and vegetables. Recycled materials were used to pack the products, and extracurricula activities were done to obtain new packing material. Frozen products were packed in pouches and marmalades in 18 k containers. Products prepared included mango marmalade and nectar and tomato puree. Guayaba was used to prepare guayaba ate. Carrots were cut in slices and frozen; jalapeño and habanero peppers were prepared in brine, Anaheim pepper was frozen in slices. Mango and papaya nectar was also prepared, as well as peaches in syrup. The nursing home had a pig that was raised for two year at the place, and was industrialized to prepare ham, pork chops and bacon. All products were labeled with elaboration date, nutritional value, and some suggestions for use. At the time that the students apply in real life experiences the knowledge they adquiere in classrom, they experience of the precarious conditons of the nursing home. It is a great gratification to the students, to receive for the elderly, enthusiastic thanks for the products that are prepared for them.
Session 46B, Extension
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