If there is one thing that we have learned during this pandemic it is that time is a very precious gift. Probably the most precious gift of all. Over the past couple of years, our perspective of time has shifted; it has changed. Both within our outside world and within our closest circles.
There was time for reflection and change. There was time we could not spend with loved ones, friends, acquaintances, and members of the CIFST. There was the extra time we were able to give to our family as destiny forced most of us to work from home. There are the times we missed; a daughter, sister, niece, friend, wife, giving birth alone because of pandemic restrictions. Even though we are the most connected generation we also became the most isolated generation.
So the gift I wish all of you during this holiday season is the gift of time with your loved ones. Spend it wisely as it is a finite resource.
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to you and your loved ones.
In my new role of President of the CIFST, I look forward to meeting you in person next year 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.”
Did you know that in 2021, visits to food banks topped 1.3 million, the largest increase since the 2008 recession? The CIFST Support Two Food Drive Initiatives: The CIFST 2021 Manitoba Holiday Food Drive takes place from November 15 to December 23, 2021 (see full details below). CIFST has also launched its Season of Giving Campaign to support Food Banks Canada. Get the full details here. If these are not available in your region please support your local food bank as the need is bigger than ever this year.
We’re proud of all that we accomplished this year. 2021 marked the Canadian Institute of Food Science and Technology’s 70th Anniversary. Throughout the year, we celebrated by featuring CIFST Past Presidents and Long Term Members. As well, we embarked on a campaign featuring vintage TV commercials from the 50s, 60s, and 70s about popular processed food brands. In case you missed any of them, check out the Time Capsule videos on our website. With the help of our CIFST student members, each week we posted a Food Fact Friday on our social media accounts.
Because we weren’t able to meet in person, we offered a series of educational bi-weekly webinars about the future of food. We capped off the year with a big virtual event: CIFST *ALT. Thank you to everyone who attended and made the event a success. We look forward to bringing you more events next year.
