The Russ Nishikawa NCIFT Helping Hand Award will provide up to $1,000 annually of grant funds for individuals who are unable to bear the expense of attendance at NCIFT meetings. This may be caused by unemployment, lack of employer support, or other financial hardship. Grant funds will be used to pay for meeting expenses related to attending any dinner, function or NCIFT meeting that requires attendees to pay an attendance fee.

The maximum amount an individual can be awarded will be set as the meeting registration cost.

The Russ Nishikawa NCIFT Helping Hand Award will be funded by SPI Group and make payments directly to NCIFT’s Grants Committee upon attendee approval. Award recipient selections will be made five days before the meeting. Payment to NCIFT will be mailed in advance of the meeting or provided in person at the meeting.

The Russ Nishikawa NCIFT Helping Hand Award will be funded by SPI Group and make payments directly to NCIFT’s Grants Committee upon attendee approval. Award recipient selections will be made five days before the meeting. Payment to NCIFT will be mailed in advance of the meeting or provided in person at the meeting.

Applicants must be employed in the food industry or unemployed and seeking employment in the food industry and reside in the boundaries of the NCIFT Section.

Qualified candidates will be selected based on but not limited to: employment status, employer, job function or role, distance traveled to meeting, involvement with IFT, NCIFT or affiliated groups, involvement with other food industry trade organizations, prior attendance, certifications, time in the industry, and education or university affiliation.

Applicants will be chosen by a three member Russ Nishikawa NCIFT Helping Hand panel which will always include one employee of SPI Group.