A significant announcement has emerged from the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) regarding financial support for aspiring food scientists. Recently, officials revealed that close to 100 scholarships, amounting to over $200,000, have been granted to students nationwide, including two recipients hailing from North Central Florida. These awards span various academic levels, from undergraduates to doctoral candidates.

Among the beneficiaries are University of Florida students Nicole Palma and Hyun Jeong Jung. Palma was honored with a $2,000 Edlong Undergraduate Scholarship, while Jung received an equivalent amount through the Dr. Richard L. Hall Scholarship in Flavor Science. The funding source behind these scholarships is the Feeding Tomorrow Fund, an initiative by IFT aimed at fostering excellence among future professionals in the field of food science. This program is one of the most extensive in the country, offering scholarships across multiple categories such as financial need, community college transfers, first-generation college attendees, and specialized fields like food engineering and sensory science.

Nurturing the next generation of leaders in food science is a mission proudly undertaken by the Feeding Tomorrow Fund. As expressed by Nina Steele, IFT Director of Engagement, Inclusion, and Volunteer Development, the organization eagerly anticipates supporting these scholars as they contribute to creating a food system that is universally accessible, secure, and nutritious. Beyond scholarships, IFT champions global collaboration among professionals in food, nutrition, and public health to tackle major food-related challenges through innovation and research, ensuring a sustainable and equitable food supply worldwide.