As part of the Purpose Learning initiative in the Applied Food Microbiology module, a group of 35 Culinology® students from Taylor’s University recently visited Pacific Senior Living Acacia. Pacific Senior Living is a member of the Columbia Pacific Management Group, a global investor, developer, and operator of modern healthcare and senior living facilities. Over the past several decades, they have built and managed hundreds of senior living and healthcare assets worldwide. With over 40 years of proven expertise in delivering high-quality, accessible healthcare, their facilities are designed to promote holistic well-being and rejuvenation for the next chapter of life.
The trip aimed to provide students with hands-on experience in assessing food hygiene and sanitation practices within a community setting, aligning with the goals of the Active Aging Impact Lab challenge. During the visit, students conducted a comprehensive facility inspection, gathering and analyzing data on key areas of food hygiene and sanitation. The impressive standards observed at Pacific Senior Living Acacia provided students with a valuable opportunity to witness industry-leading best practices firsthand.
One student noted, “It was a very good experience as we had hands-on activities to learn about food hygiene and sanitation.” Another student remarked, "I would very likely do more of this," highlighting their enthusiasm for similar future activities. This practical exposure not only reinforced their academic learning but also helped them develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, preparing them for future professional endeavors in the food sector. The feedback from the students further emphasized the impact of this initiative. One student added, "New experience," reflecting on the unique learning opportunity provided by the visit.
Beyond the educational benefits for our students, the visit highlighted the exemplary food hygiene and sanitation practices at Pacific Senior Living Acacia. Observing such high standards offered our students valuable insights into effective practices for caring for senior citizens. This collaboration underscores the importance of community engagement and the mutual benefits it brings. We are proud of our students for their active participation and the insights they gained from this experience. Moving forward, we aim to continue fostering impactful learning opportunities that bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications, benefiting both our students and the community.