The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) awards these travel scholarships each year through its Feeding Tomorrow Fund. They help students attend IFT FIRST, IFT’s annual event and expo.
The 2026 event ran 12–15 July at McCormick Place, Chicago, where recipients are celebrated. Undergraduate and graduate students from any country may apply.
Benefits & funding
- US$1,500 per recipient in 2025 (winners page); the current amount is not published.
- Paid to the student directly, for costs of travelling to the event; may count as taxable income.
- Recipients must send a testimonial on their IFT FIRST experience, a photo, a short bio and a thank-you note to the sponsor.
Eligibility
- Undergraduate or graduate students pursuing a degree in food science or a related field.
- Open to international students; IFT membership is not required.
- Applicants must not receive funding from another source.
- Some travel awards carry extra conditions set by their sponsor.
- Current or former IFT or sponsor employees and board members, and close relatives of a sponsor, may be refused.
Application process
- 1Submit a new English-language application each cycle; one application covers every Feeding Tomorrow scholarship you qualify for, but you can win only one.
- 2If selected, return the acceptance form in May and a W-9 (U.S.) or W-8BEN (outside the U.S.) tax form.
Program timeline
2 March 2026
Last deadline (2026 cycle)
Recipients notified
April
Acceptance form due; travel funds paid
May
IFT FIRST, Chicago
12–15 July 2026
Next cycle opens
January 2027