Our Vision
A world where science and innovation are universally accepted as essential to a safe, nutritious, and sustainable food supply for everyone.
Mission
Cultivating a community where professionals and students aspire to enrich the Chicagoland food industry through collaboration, education, and networking.
The Chicago Section of the IFT
The Chicago Section of the Institute of Food Technologists (CSIFT) is the first, the largest, and most active Section of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT). The Section boundaries encompass the northern part of the State of Illinois and include the Illinois postal zip codes 600-619, 623, 625-627, 463, and 464. However, the Chicago Section IFT accepts local membership from any interested person from any other location who pays a full Member’s annual dues.
The Section was officially formed on January 15, 1941, two years after the Institute of Food Technologists was founded. The International IFT organization is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.
The Institute of Food Technologists
Since 1939, the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) has been a forum for passionate science of food professionals and technologists to collaborate, learn, and contribute all with the goal of inspiring and transforming collective scientific knowledge into innovative solutions for the benefit of all people around the world. As a scientific community grounded in purpose, IFT feeds the minds that feed the world.
Read More About IFTDevelop
Advance & Promote Careers in the Science of Food
Enhance and promote the knowledge of CSIFT members and prospective members worldwide.
Provide educational opportunities and leadership development that can be leveraged for individual career goals propelling food industry professionals.
Recognize, promote and elevate exceptional volunteer and academic accomplishments in the science of food through CSIFT sponsored awards.
Support students and future professionals through the Chicagoland Food Science Foundation with scholarship awards and donations to programs that foster education in food science.
Network
Establish Productive & Interactive Communities
Engage and convene relevant stakeholders to debate, create, and transfer knowledge, and communicate the latest information affecting the science of food.
Provide an essential regional network and source of scientific and industry content to deliver local member value and strengthen connections to IFT.
Cultivate collaborative relationships with industry, academia, and other food related organizations to articulate the value of CSIFT and IFT engagement.
Sponsor outreach activities to promote professional development in the food industry.
Innovate
Promote the Application of Science & Technology
Be a source of influence and thought leadership for the development, application and communication of the science of food.
Create access to the Chicagoland food industry through events such as the Annual Supplier’s Expo and Symposium, quarterly professional development events, and monthly technical programs.
Unite with industry partners to add value and broaden our avenues for the distribution of educational information.
Include
Enable Diversity, Inclusion, & Equity
Leverage diversity and inclusion within CSIFT to advance our mission and the science of food.
Embrace an inclusive culture where all CSIFT members and volunteers experience an elevated sense of community, belonging and opportunities to succeed.
Promote understanding and alignment to IFT’s Diversity and Inclusion definition and related mission and vision.
Demonstrate awareness that CSIFT serves a diverse population within its membership and professionals in food science and nutrition.
Get Involved with CSIFT
Sharpen your leadership skills by joining our leadership team as a board or committee member. Share your knowledge and grow the next generation of food science professionals by volunteering at a CFSF Outreach event and being a mentor. Expand your professional network by attending CSIFT events.
Chicagoland Food Science Foundation
Chicago Section IFT founded the Chicagoland Food Science Foundation (CFSF) in 2015 to increase awareness of the science of food and to support those already earning degrees in the Chicagoland food and beverage industry.