MESA, Arizona -- February 24, 2025 -- The community is invited to a free showing of the documentary film, “Organic Rising,” from 2-4:30 p.m. Feb. 26 at Mesa Community College Red Mountain Campus, 7110 E. McKellips Rd.
Hosted by the Life Sciences department, the event will be held in the community room (M200) in the Mesquite Building. Seating is limited and organic popcorn will be served.
“Organic Rising” is the first feature-length film to demystify organic agriculture for the consumer.
The documentary presents two predominant American agrarian practices conventional and organic and how they impact human health and the planet. It clarifies the USDA organic regulatory process and farming methods allowing consumers to make informed choices and to explore avenues of supporting and maintaining a strong and robust agricultural future.
Following the film, a panel will further discuss the science of organic foods and its benefits, said Dennis Wilson, MCC biology and life sciences faculty. Panelists include Danielle Shahan of Natural Grocers GilbertBaseline store, Nate Diemer with the Maricopa County University of Arizona Cooperative Extension and Kelly Saxer with Gilbert-based Agritopia Farm, the flagship of the Arizona Urban Agriculture Foundation.
Wilson added that the film and the panel discussion will answer audience questions regarding better food options among the many conventional organic foods choices offered at grocery stores today and present factual information to make informed decisions about an organic diet.
“By showing the film, the department hopes to educate our students and the public on food system choices and choices related to their own healthcare,” said Wilson. “In addition, many of our students are in pre-healthcare-related classes so it is necessary to relate the biology (of organics) to healthcare, which the film also accomplishes.”
He noted that this event is considered an honors co-curricular for MCC students who are required to attend an event outside of honors classes that offers important, “big picture” issues relevant to their honors education.
For more information and to watch the film trailer click here.
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Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu or 480-461-7892
Mesa Community College (MCC), which is celebrating its 60th anniversary during 2025, is nationally recognized for its excellence in university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, and innovative education. Serving over 25,500 students annually, MCC offers a range of degree and certificate programs across its two campuses and additional locations. MCC students contribute more than 8,500 hours of community service annually. For nearly 60 years, MCC has been a key resource for education, workforce development, and lifelong learning. The college enhances student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services and is dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion. A Hispanic Serving Institution, nearly 50% of MCC students are first-generation college attendees, and it boasts the largest indigenous student population among Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) colleges. The MCC American Indian Institute supports students from 22 Arizona tribes and additional out-of-state tribes. MCC's diverse student body includes hundreds of international students. Our award-winning faculty are committed to helping students achieve their goals through high-quality education and training. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, on the traditional lands of the O'odham, Piipaash, and Yavapai Peoples, MCC is one of 10 MCCCD colleges. Learn more at mesacc.edu.
MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org.
The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.