How You Can Help
Join Our Team
Volunteer in the planning of fund-raising events, serve as a juror in the competitive scholarship program or join our leadership team.
Become a Sponsor
Foundation sponsors provide funds that support all of our scholarship programs.
Gold Sponsor
Bronze Sponsor
Bronze Sponsor
Founded by Chicago Section IFT in 2015, our purpose is to raise funds for and award scholarships to students intending to work in the food industry.
319,929
funds raised
87,100
donations
172,500
scholarships
40
scholarship recipients
Our Scholarship Programs
Through our scholarship programs, CFSF supports its vision of strengthening the science of food within the Chicagoland food and beverage industry.
Planting the Seed
CFSF inspires awareness of the science of food in Illinois' students through K-12 programs designed to educate and excite. We are also supporting our mission with ongoing educator engagement and curriculum development.
Nurturing the Seed
CFSF's flagship program is designed to support the next generation of food and beverage professionals in their higher level education aspirations as well as their involvement in the food industry. Initiated originally by CSIFT, CFSF has continued to expand our giving and goals.14th Annual Golf Outing
Registrations Open!
Tuesday, September 28th from 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
What We Do
CFSF develops and promotes the current and next generation of food and beverage industry professionals by providing scholarships and donating to organizations that support our mission and vision.
4-H Club Food Science
4-H provides kids with community, mentors, and learning opportunities to develop the skills they need to create positive change in their lives and communities. View Website
Expanding Your Horizons
A one day symposium for middle school girls to engage in exciting and diverse experiences that science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers have to offer. View Website
Celebrating High School Innovators
The competition identifies, fosters, and celebrates Illinois high school students whose contributions are exceptional and inspirational in health and nutrition. View Website
Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences
A college preparatory high school that provides opportunities for diverse students from across the city to study agriculture with the goal of developing marketable skills as well as college level competencies. View Website
Feeding Tomorrow Educator Program
Designed specifically for educators, this event is a workshop full of fun and valuable knowledge about the science of food. View Website
JBT Scholarship
Outstanding Food Science Students at the U of I are recognized and awarded $2,000 each of the years in college. View Website
RAP Scholarship
The U of I Research Apprentice Program is designed to recruit promising high school students from diverse and under-represented backgrounds and place them in summer internships on campus . View Website
Competitive Scholarships—College
Scholarships directed to freshmen, undergraduate, and graduate school students to develop and promote the current and next generation of food and
beverage industry professionals.
2021 Scholarship Recipients
Sanjana Kumar – Freshman
Alaina Cox – Graduate
Sara Thomason – Undergraduate
Christine Lee – Undergraduate
Eric Fan – Undergraduate
Zylle Constantino – Undergraduate
Paige Chew – Undergraduate
Nathan Chen – Undergraduate
Yusra Ansari – Undergraduate
Sarah Batka – Undergraduate
Evelyn Rios – Freshman
Max Rallo – Freshman
Christopher Reusz – Graduate
Testimonials
Below are the testimonials from the 2021 Scholarship recipients.
Christopher Reusz – Graduate
Ph.D, Food, Bioprocessing, and Nutrition Sciences North Carolina State University“I owe my sincerest thanks and wholehearted appreciation to the Chicago section of IFT and the generous donors that make this scholarship a reality for us students.
Your support and belief in us as future food scientists is humbling and makes me proud to continue my research in the advancement of dairy flavor chemistry. Your willingness to selflessly support us with your vast knowledge and resources are what allow us to reach our highest potential in the work we do.
Thank you again for your guidance and generosity as we continue to forge the future of food science.”
Alaina Cox – Graduate
M.S., Food Science & Human Nutrition University of IL“I am grateful for this scholarship, for it will help me continue my research in the identification of novel flavor compounds in honey.”
Sara Thomason – Undergraduate
Food Science / Fermentation Science Sr., Purdue University“I am honored to be a second-time CFSF scholarship recipient. This scholarship demonstrates the incredible support of my community and encourages me to go above and beyond to reach my goals.
Thank you to the Chicagoland Food Science Foundation for making this possible. I am excited to show you what I can do for the food industry.”
Christine Lee – Undergraduate
Food Science Sr., University of IL“I am sincerely grateful and honored to have been selected as a recipient of the 2024-25 CFSF Scholarship. This support is invaluable as I enter my senior year, enabling me to focus on my studies and advance in the food science industry.
With this opportunity, I’m eager to channel my curiosity into making meaningful contributions to the food industry. Once again, thank you to CSIFT committees and donors for your support”.
Eric Fan – Undergraduate
Food Science/Molecular and Cellular Biology Jr., University of IL“It’s an honor and privilege to be a recipient of the 2024-2025 Chicagoland Food Science Foundation Scholarship. Knowing that industry professionals are investing and supporting my future is a real motivating force for me to make my dreams of starting my own food tech company into a reality”.
Zylle Constantino – Undergraduate
Chemical Engineering Jr., University of IL“The CFSF Scholarship both encourages and allows me to further pursue my endeavors in food sciences as a chemical engineer to think of new and innovative ways to food processes and development.
The opportunities that I have been able to experience in food sciences, from doing research with cacao beans and being able to work in industry for a food company is only the beginning of my journey.
I’d like to thank those who have supported my efforts and interests in food sciences, as well as the CFSF leadership for awarding me the scholarship!”
Paige Chew – Undergraduate
Food Science & Human Nutrition Jr., University of IL“Receiving the CFSF Scholarship supports my exploration of food, flavors, and science! I am honored and thankful for this opportunity as I explore food science professions throughout the Midwest.”
Nathan Chen – Undergraduate
Food Science & Human Nutrition Sr., University of IL“I am absolutely honored to have received the CFSF Scholarship and I cannot thank CSIFT and their sponsors enough. During my time as an undergraduate, I’ve learned so much, and, despite my financial hardships, I’ve continued to pursue the career the food industry through compassion and ambition.
Being able to pay off my college funds while also exploring the food world to the fullest has been one of my biggest dreams. With this, I plan to wrap up my final year in Food Science and end it with a high note!”
Yusra Ansari – Undergraduate
Food Science & Human Nutrition Jr., University of IL“Thank you to the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee for selecting me for the CFSF award. I’m truly grateful for the support and recognition.
Not only does the scholarship provide me with financial support, but it also represents a vote of confidence in my potential to contribute meaningfully to the future of food science and technology. Winning this scholarship is an honor and a source of inspiration for me to pursue my academic and career goals in food science with even greater determination and enthusiasm.
I look forward to the opportunity to grow my network of support within the Chicagoland food science community and with leaders in the field.”
Sarah Batka – Undergraduate
Food Science & Human Nutrition Sr., University of IL“I am deeply honored to have been awarded the CFSF scholarship, generously provided by a foundation committed to fostering growth for the next generation of food scientists.
This scholarship provides an invaluable opportunity for me to further immerse myself in my passion for food science at UIUC. I am thrilled to complete the last year of my academic journey, the graduating class of 2025, with a food science degree.
I am grateful for CFSF and their support throughout my studies–their investment in my education has equipped me with the skillsets necessary to become a well-versed future professional in the food industry.”
Evelyn Rios – Freshman
York High School“The CFSF Scholarship means the world to me because I know that I am able to pursue my dreams without the worry of cost! Thank you!”
Kendall College / National Louis University
Baking & Pastry Arts
Max Rallo – Freshman
York High School“Thank you so much for picking me as a recipient of the scholarship. This scholarship means so much to me because it will help me follow my dream of attending a prestigious school for culinary arts. It will help lessen the amount of debt I will have in the future from culinary school. I believe that for my path, culinary school is very important because of not only the technical skills I will learn, but the connections I will make along the way.”
Johnson & Wales University
Baking and Pastry Arts
Sanjana Kumar – Freshman
Walter Payton College Preparatory School“By alleviating some of the financial burden of higher education, the CFSF scholarship will prepare me for a college education as I embark on a career in food science. I am extremely grateful for this award, and I know it will equip me for my future goal of creating more sustainable food systems, bettering the environment and my community in the process.”
Stanford University,
Engineering or Humanities/Sciences Department
Join Our Mailing List
Join our mailing list to receive notifications for events, scholarships, and the latest Foundation information.
JOIN NOW
319,929
funds raised
87,100
donations
172,500
in student scholarships
40
scholarship recipients
Contact Us
