An Opportunity To Reimagine: How The Pandemic Can Improve Our Global Food System

The 2021 April/May issue of Food Safety Magazine features Dr. Jennifer van de Ligt, University of Minnesota’s Integrated Food Leadership Program Director, on action needed by food systems’ leaders to forge ahead post-pandemic.

The University of Minnesota’s Integrated Food Systems Leadership (IFSL) Program is pleased to share ‘An Opportunity To Reimagine’ in Food Safety Magazine’s April/May issue. The publication’s cover story, authored by IFSL Program Director Dr. Jennifer van de Ligt, highlights the added strain the pandemic has caused on the food system and the industry collaboration needed to ensure future generations aren’t put in jeopardy.

“COVID-19 changed our way of life and quickly shifted the food system to operate within a disaster scenario from which it is now emerging,” said Dr. Jennifer van de Ligt, University of Minnesota’s Integrated Food Leadership Program Director. “In order to move forward in the future with less disruption, we need bold leaders who understand the intricacies and ripple effects of our global system. We need leaders who are willing to collaborate to build a more resilient food system – as I discuss in this article. This is the mission of the IFSL Program, to grow leaders to feed the future.”

Designed for professionals interested in accelerating their careers, the IFSL Program expands emerging food system leaders’ knowledge. The program exposes students to new and different approaches enabling them to be more effective, impactful leaders who are ready to address overall food system challenges. Along with course instructors from three colleges at University of Minnesota – CFANS, SPH, CVM – IFSL’s strong advisor group, representing leaders from leading organizations across the food system, help us improve our program, provide mentoring, contribute case study insights, and advise our students during their capstone projects as they analyze and propose solutions to real world challenges.

“The speed and magnitude of change resulting from the pandemic demonstrates the critical importance of resilient food systems,” said Joseph Scimeca, Ph.D., IFSL Advisor and SVP, Regulatory and Scientific Affairs, International Dairy Foods Association “I witnessed nearly every aspect of the food distribution system impacted by the effects of COVID-19, so as a food system leader, I’m proud to be part of the IFSL Program to share my knowledge and experience with cohort members to help grow the next generation of leaders who can break down silos to ensure we’re more resilient and responsive in the future.”

As featured in Food Safety Magazine, it will require all disciplines and perspectives to break boundaries that will ensure a more global and sustainable future. As evidenced by 100% career acceleration for program graduates, the IFSL Program is breaking down silos and paving the way towards a better future for the food system.

The University of Minnesota Integrated Food Systems Leadership (IFSL) Program is designed for professionals interested in accelerating their careers. The IFSL program is a unique, online, graduate certificate program that fosters leadership, collaboration, and innovation across the food system. IFSL is a Post-Baccalaureate Regents Certificate program aimed at bridging the gap between traditional food system education and a professional leadership program.

Applications are being accepted through July 15, 2021 for the September cohort. Download a program brochure or schedule a consultation call for more information.