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Our Mission & How Your Gifts Can Help
The Food Innovation Center at Rutgers University is a unique food incubator and business accelerator that is part of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES). Our mission is to drive economic growth of the food and agriculture industry through advanced innovative methods in the development, manufacturing and safety of food and beverage products and contribute to improving the economic viability of the communities we work in.
in the Food Industry
“I understand the challenges students face when targeting a career path. Having worked in many positions within Food Manufacturing, I spend as much time as I can visiting schools around the state, as well as inviting students to our Center, sharing the numerous opportunities available within the Food Industry….from IT specialist, to lab technician, mechanic, food scientist, food microbiologist and engineer, just to name a few on the technical side. While for the students who lean towards business…perhaps a career in marketing, marketing research, accounting, finance, HR, analytics, advertising, logistics, supply chain and so many more. I also stress that many food manufacturers find it difficult to find the right talent. The Food Innovation Center @ Rutgers University has relationships with many food manufacturers within the state, which makes it possible for us to connect students with companies seeking talent. I love what I do! A gift of any size will support my effort with helping young people find their career passion.”
FIC @ RU Impact
We support passionate early stage entrepreneurs and food companies from concept to commercialization; in making their vision a reality. We are caring mentors who have helped numerous clients successfully build and grow their businesses over the years. The fund will support our Center’s efforts and provide opportunities for smaller companies with great ideas, that don’t have the funding available. By supporting these food entrepreneurs, it not only helps them bring their dream to life, it also drives economic development within our local communities.
- Consulted over 1,900 companies and food entrepreneurs on food entrepreneurship
- Trained 4,300 + people in Food Safety and 680+ in Food Business Basics
- Helped commercialize 415 new food products
- Created 670 new jobs
- Donated and volunteered over 1,700 hours to mentor students
Support FIC@RU
Your generous contribution to the Food Innovation Center @ Rutgers University is vital in our effort to support early stage food startups with business and technical mentoring, food safety and entrepreneurial training, and product commercialization expertise, sustaining our ability to continue our mission, delivering significant economic impacts to the region, while making dreams come true. Thank you for your consideration!
All philanthropic contributions to the Food Innovation Center at Rutgers University are tax-deductible as prescribed by law. Gifts made through the Rutgers University Foundation are deductible for federal income, gift, and estate tax purposes. The Rutgers University Foundation will send a receipt for your contribution shortly after you make your gift.
New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station
The Food Innovation Center at Rutgers University is a unique food incubator and business accelerator that is part of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES). The New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station is an integral component of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. The experiment station provides a diverse range of research, extension, and education programs that serve the people of New Jersey and the urban, suburban, and rural communities in which they live.
For more information or questions, please contact Gabrielle Peterson, Senior Director of Development, at 848-932-3593 or g.peterson@rutgers.edu