The Chicagoland Food Science Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization that is working with CSIFT to develop, promote, and provide food science students with essential scholarships. The goal is to strengthen the organization so they can deliver these scholarships, while also supporting the food and beverage industry’s ever-growing needs.
As part of its ongoing commitment to providing membership benefits and student engagement, the Chicago Section IFT (CSIFT) created the Chicagoland Food Science Foundation (CFSF). CFSF is a 501c3 Nonprofit organization to raise funds for and award scholarships to students intending to work in the food industry.
Our philosophy is to encourage those working in and/or supporting the food industry to actively engage in the industry through active membership in CSIFT. College students play a vital role in CSIFT as they represent the future of the industry. While several efforts currently exist to support student engagement, the scholarship program has been expanded to further the linkage between CSIFT and students.
Our Mission
To develop, promote and support the current and next generation of food and beverage industry professionals through scholarship programs while working in close collaboration with CSIFT
Our Vision
To strengthen the science of food within the Chicagoland food and beverage industry to address ever growing global needs
Leadership Team
Chair
Laura Saran
LJS Food Solutions
Treasurer
John Budin
FONA
Secretary
Upasana Hariram
Mérieux NutriSciences
Board Member
Mike Carson
OSI
Board Member
Jenn Farrell
PepsiCo
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board MemberCommittees
Auditing Committee
Prepares for and assists with CFSF external audits; in years where external audits don’t occur, conducts internal audit and reports findings to BOD.
- Debbie Schodrof, Chair
- John Budin
Finance Committee
Plans and maintains savings and investments; coordinates invoices and payment.
- Chris Bigall, Chair
- John Budin
Fundraising Committee
Develops and executes CFSF fundraising strategy. This includes the Golf Outing, and all other fundraising activities conducted each year to generate income for CFSF scholarship programs.
- Joy Dell’Aringa, Chair
- John Fenstermacher
- Jan Miller
- Stacey Popham
- John Ruff
Golf Outing Committee
Plans the yearly Golf Outing in August to raise funds for scholarships.
- Mike Hosler, Co-Chair
- John Fenstermacher, Co-Chair
- Jan Miller, Co-Chair
Scholarship Committee
Scholarship Committee: Conducts all activities associated with developing and executing CFSF scholarship strategy. This includes publicizing scholarship opportunities; conducting competitive scholarship program; coordinating payment; writing and executing program publicity; maintaining accurate records; and updating websites.
- Sarah Osterbur, Co-Chair
- Linda Perucca, Co-Chair
- Nancy Moriarity
- David Lee
- Kathryn Kitchen
- Maddie Gerling
- Ariel Cavasos
- Tim Stubbs
- John Budin
- Dawn Bohn
- Steve Hill
Silent Auction Committee
Plans the yearly Silent Auction at the Chicago Section IFT Suppliers’ Expo to raise funds for scholarships.
- Julie Hess, Chair