Back to the Big Easy

IFT Cares about New Orleans

Food and New Orleans seem to go together. As a result, that city has hosted several past IFT shows. In appreciation of those great experiences, and mindful of New Orleans’ continuing need for assistance, IFT has some special charitable events planned for this year’s Annual Meeting & Food Expo.

IFT will partner with Second Harvest of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana, a member of America’s Second Harvest—the Nation’s Food Bank Network, for a number of volunteer activities primarily before and after the actual show. IFT asks attendees, as they register for the meeting and expo, to also  sign up for these volunteer activities by selecting a time slot on the “IFT Cares About New Orleans” online registration page or by including your selection in the Optional Ticketed Events section on the registration form.

Activities include:

• Sort unmarketable (yet safe and nutritious) surplus grocery items such as close code dates; dented cans or damaged boxed food; mislabeled product; and fruits and vegetables not harvested by farmers.
• Repack donated food products into cases to be distributed to member agencies and the needy families they serve. 
• Stuff backpacks with ready-to-eat meals and snacks for school children at risk of hunger, to help needy families bridge the gaps over weekends and holidays and until access to federal breakfast and lunch programs resumes. 
• Travel with the Second Harvest Mobile Pantry to deliver food directly to needy families in their communities.

“Make time in your schedule to improve the lives of underserved New Orleans residents and leave a lasting impact on the city and its people,” IFT exhorts in its show promotional materials. Scheduled activities are: Saturday, June 28 7 a.m.–noon: Mobile pantry 8 a.m.–noon: Repack and sort 12:30–4:30 p.m.: Repack and sort Wednesday, July 2 7 a.m.–noon: Mobile pantry 8 a.m.–noon: Repack and sort Those who cannot volunteer time can contribute a cash donation at the registration area, the Networking Reception or at the Second Harvest donation stations.

IFT Schedule

Sunday, June 29
9–10:45 a.m.: Keynote session
11 a.m.–5:30 p.m.: Show floor open
11 a.m.: First-time attendee orientation
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.: IFT/RCA Culinology demonstration
2–3:30 p.m.: Scientific sessions
2–5:30 p.m.: Poster sessions
3:30–5:30 p.m.: “Taste for Science” reception
4–5:30 p.m.: Scientific sessions

Monday, June 30
6:30–7:30 a.m.: IFTSA and IFT Foundation Fun Run
8:30–10 a.m.: Scientific sessions
8:30–10 a.m.: Theme general session
8:30 a.m.–noon: Poster sessions
10:30 a.m.–noon: Scientific sessions
11:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.: Show floor open
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.: IFT/RCA Culinology demonstration
11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m.: Supplier solution session
1:15–2:30 p.m.: Supplier solution session
2–3:30 p.m.: Scientific sessions
2–5:30 p.m.: Poster sessions
3–4:15 p.m.: Supplier solution session
3:30–5:30 p.m.: “Taste for Science” reception
4–5:30 p.m.:  Scientific sessions
7–8 p.m.: Student Association welcome assembly

Tuesday, July 1
8:30–10 a.m.: Scientific sessions
8:30 – 10:00 a.m. Food Technology trend panel
8:30 a.m.–noon: Poster sessions
10:30 a.m.–noon: Scientific sessions
11:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.: Show floor open
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.: IFT/RCA Culinology demonstration
11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m.: Supplier solution session
1:15–2:30 p.m.: Supplier solution session
2–3:30 p.m.: Scientific sessions
2–5:30 p.m.: Poster sessions
4–5:30 p.m.: Scientific sessions
5:30–6:30 p.m.: Phi Tau Sigma Student Awards reception