Food for Thought is a monthly, members-only e-newsletter from the Canadian Institute of Food Science and Technology (CIFST).
PRESIDENTIAL FODDER
Happy Valentine's Day! ❤️

As we move more and more into 2022, we can start to see some normality coming back into our lives. Let us not forget that we are emerging from two years of uncertainty in an ever changing environment. In those two years we have learned to celebrate the little joys that life gave us. We came together and helped each other. We showed our friends, family and fellow neighbours that we could support each other and we were stronger together. We got to appreciate our immediate family even more. In a way we got a chance to re-balance our lives.  I wish that this momentum of love of life and people will continue as we resume our post COVID lives.  

Life is worth living and we should love everything about it, even the difficult times.

Comfort Food

As we moved through the emotional roller-coaster ride of COVID-19, comfort food became our friend. Our eating habits changed and homemade was the way to go. Homemade desserts, cakes, muffins, cookies and other delicious snacks became part of our daily stress control. You name it, there was an internet recipe and our family cook book was dusted off to help us cope. For me, it was homemade bread and regrettably way too much.

Now I know why people call it 'COVID-19 pounds' for the additional weight they gained. With the COVID restriction being lifted and gyms opening up again we will be back to our pre-COVID weight just in time for the CIFST Quebec Section Supplier Night on May 12th. See you there.  
I look forward to meeting you in person at the Canadian Food Summit to be held June 1 to 3, 2022 at the University of Guelph. The theme for this event is “Propelling Research and Innovation.” Save the date, registration will open on March 1st.

As well, we are launching a new webinar series called "Knowledge Bites" beginning this Wednesday, February 16th from noon to 12:45. There's still time to register! Our bi-weekly webinar series is FREE for all CIFST members and a small fee for non-members.

Our sections are busy planning a series of virtual and in-person events for the coming year. No matter where you are in the country, I encourage you to get involved with your local sections. This is a great opportunity to meet and network with your peers.

Thank you, as always, for being with us!
Louis Ayotte
CIFST President
BITS & BITES
February 25th deadline is quickly approaching!

We are now accepting speaker and poster presentation proposals for CIFST’s Annual Food Summit at the University of Guelph, June 1 to 3, 2022. We are seeking presentations that cover the broad spectrum of food science and technology. Speaker and poster presentation submissions from academia, government and industry will be considered with the aim to create balance and interest for all attendees.
Knowledge Bites: We are launching a new crop of lunchtime webinars beginning Wednesday, February 16.

CIFST webinars are FREE to members and $25 for non-members.

Join us for the Innovation of cereal plant-based milk alternatives using enzyme technology webinar on February 16, 2022 - 12:00 to 12:45 p.m. EST

Our Speaker: Charles Purcell, Senior Manager, Application Development – FI Food, Univar Solutions
CIFST ALT: An Innovation Showcase is Back!

Last year's virtual event was a hit. This year we will be presenting this as an in person event on September 28th in Toronto.

We are currently working on the details and will be going live with Showcase registrations in April. Watch your inbox for more details.
SECTION EVENTS
February 23, 2022 - CIFST Manitoba Section Student Career Night 2022

May 12, 2022 - CIFST Quebec Section Supplier Night [DETAILS COMING SOON]

September 21, 2022 - CIFST Ontario Section Golf Tournament [SAVE THE DATE]

November 8, 2022 - CIFST Ontario Section Supplier Night [SAVE THE DATE]