By: Anna Kanaley, Assistant, Food & Product Safety, Health & Well-being and FMI Foundation, FMI
With flu season upon us, I'm more on edge than usual when it comes to staying healthy. Many of us take precautions to keep ourselves and others from getting sick – getting a flu shot each fall or staying home when not feeling well to keep from spreading an illness. While it is common to consider how illnesses like the flu or COVID-19 could affect us, sometimes we don't think about how food could impact our health and can take safe food for granted.
To ensure that food safety and quality standards are met, we need to bring up the next generation of food safety workers—auditors, practitioners and scientists. That's why I'm excited to announce FMI Foundation's scholarships for students who are currently enrolled in food and agricultural science programs and have an interest in the field of accredited food safety auditing.
These scholarships are extremely competitive and are based on academic ability, leadership potential, motivation and a passion for the food industry's auditing profession. Scholarships are open to full-time undergraduate or graduate students in an accredited U.S., Canadian, or Mexican college or university. Recipients will be able to attend and network at a leading event in the field of food safety: the 2024 SQF Unites Conference in New Orleans on March 11-14.
Through [the FMI Foundation] scholarship [program], I was graciously awarded a trip to Orlando, Florida to attend my first SQF Unites conference. I met so many incredible auditors, scientists and fellow students at the conference, and left with an immense passion for auditing. Even as a student, I was able to engage in conversations during open discussion panels and network with top scientists in the field. This scholarship opens doors for students to get a jumpstart on their careers in the auditing field. I am immensely grateful for this opportunity.
Do you know of any aspiring food safety professionals? Encourage them to apply! Applications are due by October 13, 2023.
Industry Topics address your specific area of expertise with resources, reports, events and more.
Our Research covers consumer behavior and retail operation benchmarks so you can make informed business decisions.
Events and Education including online and in-person help you advance your food retail career.
Food Safety training, resources and guidance that help you create a company food safety culture.
Government Affairs work — federal and state — on the latest food industry policy, regulatory and legislative issues.
Get Involved. From industry awards to newsletters and committees, these resources help you take advantage of your membership.
Best practices, guidance documents, infographics, signage and more for the food industry on the COVID-19 pandemic.
