Back for its fifth year, the IFTSA Smart Snacks for Kids Competition challenges students to develop a fun and nutritious food or beverage product targeted at kids and/or teens. Products must abide by the USDA Guide to Smart Snacks in Schools recommendations. Teams were empowered to use their imagination to engage their chosen audience in the science and overall appeal behind a novel product of their creation. A crucial component of a winning product is the team’s ability to relay the food or beverage’s “smart” qualities to both a technical and a general audience.
The competition will take place from 3–5 p.m. on Monday, July 11, in the Vista Room S406AB of the convention center. Here’s a look at the concepts from the six finalist teams:
Anagrahams – University of Wisconsin, Madison (USA)
Fingerella – Tel Hai College (Israel)
Jiro – Tecnológico de Monterrey Campus Monterrey (Mexico)
Ocean Hero Bites – Purdue University (USA)
Saurus Snacks – Utah State University (USA)
Waffuns – University of Costa Rica (Costa Rica)
Winners of the competition will be announced at the IFTSA Closing Ceremony on Tuesday evening, July 12, in the S100 Ballroom of the convention center. Each of the finalist teams will receive a certificate and a reimbursement for travel to IFT FIRST 2022 of up to $1,500. Prizes include $3,000 for first place, $1,500 for second place, and $500 for the third-place team.
Julie Emsing Mann discusses her career path and the importance of educating students about careers in food science.
IFT Career Path Survey respondents offer candid commentary on the impact of race, sexual orientation, and gender on career progression.
Debunking the myth that compulsory diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace leads to mediocrity rather than meritocracy.
Managers seeking to fill a job opening in the current competitive environment need to remember that market conditions have changed over the past two years and traditional hiring approaches don’t necessarily apply. Recruiters have some advice.
A collection of quotes from the 2023 Fellows from the 2023 IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo.
A collection of quotes from the 2023 Achievement Award winners from the 2023 IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo.
Sean J. Leighton, IFT President, 2023–2024, shares his introductory message.
Abigail Stevenson, Mars chief science officer, says a long-term culture of driving advances in science and technology aims to ignite future-proof innovation for the business, people, pets, and the planet.
IFT President Chris Downs reflects on opportunities for networking that IFT offers, including IFT FIRST, divisions, and sections.
IFT weighs in on the agency’s future in the wake of the Reagan-Udall Report and FDA Commissioner Califf’s response.
Learn how IFT boosts connections, efficiencies, and inspiration for its members.
In a new white paper, our experts examine the FDA’s Food Traceability Final Rule implications—and its novel concepts first proposed by IFT.
IFT’s 2022 Compensation and Career Path Report breaks it down.