‘Food Evolution’ screening benefits Waimea High

WAIMEA — As a benefit for Waimea High School’s agriculture and aquaculture program, there will be a special screening of the documentary “Food Evolution” happening at Waimea Theatre on Oct. 10, starting at 6:30 p.m.

The documentary, narrated by Neil deGrasse Tyson, explores the food-related challenges in today’s world and the part science plays in addressing the issues. The goal of the film is to encourage rational conversation about science and food, according to a news release on the event.

“Food Evolution” takes on a debate that is characterized as heated and has polarized many people in America, according to the release. It covers the controversy surrounding genetically modified organisms and food and focuses on Hawaii papaya groves, banana farms in Uganda and cornfields in Iowa.

Mark Lynas, Alison Van Eenennaam, Jeffery Smith, Andrew Kimbrell, Vandana Shiva, Robert Fraley, Marion Nestle and Bill Nye “The Science Guy” are all featured in the film, as well as farmers and scientists from across the globe.

Funded by the Institute of Food Technologists, the film was directed by Academy Award-nominated Scott Hamilton Kennedy.

Tickets are $3 and will be available for purchase at the door. All proceeds will benefit Waimea High School’s agriculture and aquaculture program, launched in 2014. The program is weaved into students’ daily curriculum and includes a garden of traditional garden plants and aquaculture ponds where tilapia are raised. Students not only learn farming but also self-sustainability, how to live a healthy lifestyle and business skills.

It’s one of two screenings of the documentary scheduled for this month, but is the only showing that benefits the school program directly. The second showing of “Food Evolution” is set for Oct. 23 at the Lihue Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall, at 5 p.m., presented by the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation.