The Chicago Section IFT provides up to $3,000 of Award funds for unemployed individuals who are seeking employment in the food industry. The award can be used to cover expenses from attending the Annual IFT Meeting and Expo, or it can be used to cover expenses from training workshops, short courses, etc. Applicants must be unemployed, seeking employment in the food industry, and members of the Chicago Section IFT, residing within the Section’s zip code boundaries. The maximum amount an individual can be awarded is $1,000. The application process occurs in spring.

This award offers an excellent networking opportunity for unemployed members to attend a Food Science-related course that may assist in obtaining employment. As well, the applicant can utilize the award money to attend an IFT Short Course or the IFT Annual Meeting & Food Expo!!

The Strietelmeier Award Program was established in memory of David M. Strietelmeier, who was a lifelong and active member of IFT. He served on several Chicago Section and National committees. David’s goal was to assist professional members in obtaining networking opportunities and educational opportunities that would help them achieve gainful employment. For this reason, the Chicago Section IFT chose to honor the memory of David Strietelmeier by bestowing this annual award upon members of the Chicago Section IFT in need of career assistance.

Since 2008, CSIFT has provided over $20,000 to support the professional development of unemployed section members.