Since 1985, the Institute of Food Technologists Student Association (IFTSA) College Bowl Competition has tested the knowledge of student teams from across the United States in the following areas: food science and technology, the history of foods and food processing, food law, and general IFT/food-related trivia. The College Bowl is designed to facilitate interaction among students from different universities and provides a forum for students to engage in friendly competition.

Teams for IFT Student Chapters compete in area competitions within the eight geographical areas of IFTSA prior to the IFT annual event. The winning teams from the eight areas then compete in a final competition at the IFT annual event.

2022 College Bowl Competition

National Champion
The Ohio State University, Midwest Area 

Runner-up
Cornell University, North Atlantic Area

2021 College Bowl Competition

National Champion
Cornell University

Runner-up:
University of Maryland

2020 College Bowl Competition

Due to the COVID-19 health crisis, we were unable to hold the 2020 College Bowl competition.
 

2019 National Champion

National Champion
University of Wisconsin-Madison, North Central Area

Runner-up
The Ohio State University, Midwest Area

Awards

Each finalist team will receive a reimbursement for team travel to the IFT annual event up to $1,500. In addition to this reimbursement, the following prizes will be awarded.

• First Place: $1,000
• Second Place: $750

Eligibility

Each institution may draft one team. Teams should be made up of undergraduate and graduate members of IFT. Complete eligibility requirements are available in the competition guidelines document.
 

2022–2023 Competition Deadlines, Guidelines, and Roster Template

Deadline: February 1st, 2023

• Fill out the team registration and submit 25 new questions via the online form

Key Updates for 2022–23 College Bowl:

• New this year: Teams located outside of the contiguous United States may participate in a virtual regional competition. The winner of this competition will be invited to compete in the national competition
• The rules have been updated to include alternatives if the College Bowl competition regionals and nationals are not able to occur in person.
• Teams will submit a final roster one week before their regional competition. (See template below)
• Teams may be composed of members of student chapters of IFT and IFT student members not affiliated with a chapter. Teams can include members from multiple chapters and non-affiliated members; however, each school may only be represented on one team and participants may only compete on one team. (Guidelines Section II (A))

See updated competition guidelines below for full details.

Submissions

Submit your application

Click here for CBC Rules & Regulations

Team roster template (.xlsx)

Regional Competition Host Guidelines and Bid Form

How to Prep for the College Bowl

Competition Chair

Sam VanWees, University of Wisconsin-Madison