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The Center |
Staff
Members Membership RSS Feeds CIFT Video Library News Archive Contact Us |
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The Center |
Staff
Members Membership RSS Feeds CIFT Video Library News Archive Contact Us |
Special Programs...
Our City in a GardenOur City in a Garden is an urban, Toledo-based system to produce, prepare, distribute, process, and preserve healthy food products in the community, and to accomplish these ends in a manner that stresses environmental sustainability.
CIFT MembershipSince 1995, CIFT has organized and managed a membership-based consortium of food industry companies, their suppliers, and academic institutions. The goal of the consortium is to enhance the economic viability of Ohio's food and agricultural sector through technology.
Energy & Environmental ManagementEnergy and environmental management initiatives can improve the bottom line for businesses through cost reduction and alternative revenue pathways, essentially enhancing market competitiveness.
Food SafetyThis page covers food safety issues ranging from safety recalls and safe food handling practices to regulatory guidelines.
Local InitiativesCIFT Local Initiatives include the Farm to School Program, Local Food Manufacturers Program, Agritourism and the Farm to Chef Program.
NOCKThe Agricultural Incubator Foundation's Northwest Ohio Cooperative Kitchen (NOCK) is a nonprofit kitchen facility designed to assist entrepreneurial efforts and expand current food-related businesses by providing access to a commercially licensed kithchen.
Northwest Ohio Energy Crop CenterThe mission of the Northern Ohio Energy Crop Center is the identification and evaluation of opportunities to involve regional growers, processors and other entrepreneurs in biofuel production.
Northwest Ohio Green Products CenterThe Northwest Ohio Green Products Center is a collaborative effort among several partnering organizations to provide the resources, technical assistance and business expertise to regional entrepreneurs or established manufacturers who currently produce, or plan to produce, green or biobased products.
USDA-ARS Technology Transfer ProgramUSDA-ARS technology transfer provides a means for moving promising technologies discovered through federal and university research into the public arena where they are developed into marketable products. USDA-ARS accomplishes this by forming partnerships with universities and private sector businesses.
In the CIFT Spotlight...
CIFT 2008 Report to IndustryA report of CIFT's 2008 programs, projects and activities Hoop HousesA CIFT hoop house feasibility study that will determine what plants are appropriate to plant and when these plants will generate the greatest economic return. Ohio Federal Stimulus Bill WebsiteAn Ohio website where parties interested in federal stimulus dollars can submit ideas. Ohio MarketMakerAn interactive mapping system that locates businesses and markets of agricultural products in Ohio, providing an important link between producers and consumers. USDA Releases Beginning Farmers and Ranchers PublicationUSDA-ERS Economic Information Bulletin EIB-53 (32 pp, May 2009) draws on data from annual surveys and the Census of Agriculture to provide policymakers with a better understanding of beginning farmers and ranchers, including how they contribute to U.S. agricultural production. Vertical Hydroponic Growing SystemsA high density vertical growing system designed for non-traditional production locations. The system enables plants to grow in significantly smaller spaces and in varying ground covers from concrete to parking lots.
CIFT Resources...
CIFT News ArchiveA repository of past CIFT news stories... CIFT RSS FeedsSubscribe to CIFT RSS feeds... CIFT Video LibraryA collection of CIFT event videos... Contact UsThe CIFT contact page with phone numbers, email addresses and directions... Privacy PolicyThe CIFT website privacy policy...Other Resources...
Current FDA RecallsThe Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has jurisdiction over recalls involving food and pet & farm animal feed. This page is a list of the latest FDA food recall notices. Current USDA RecallsThe Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspects and regulates meat, poultry products and eggs. This page is a list of the latest USDA food recall notices. FoodSafety.govFoodSafety.gov is your source for the latest news and information on food safety issues. Grants.govGrants.gov is your source to FIND and APPLY for federal government grants. Quick Reference Guide to Growth FinancingThis MEP guide provides information on general financing options, programs, and techniques available to small and medium-sized enterprises and companies pursuing growth oriented strategies.
CIFT News
Northwest Ohio's Gleaning Project
If you have a desire to work outside and get dirty, or are interested in helping feed the hungry, Northwest Ohio's Gleaning Project is perfect for you!
What is gleaning?
Gleaning dates back to the Biblical times when the poverty-stricken were allowed to go into fields after the harvest and gather what was left behind. In the 21st century, the practice hasn't changed — just the people who do it. Gleaning volunteers are students, senior citizens, businesspeople, stay-at-home parents and many other individuals who visit area farm fields and orchards to collect excess produce so it can be distributed through the help of the Toledo Seagate Food Bank to area agencies, food pantries and soup kitchens who will feed the hungry with fresh, local produce throughout northwest Ohio.
Did you know the total gleaned last year was more than 700,000 pounds? The goal this year is 1,000,000 pounds of fresh, local produce! However, the Northwest Ohio Gleaning Project is only as strong as the support of its volunteers. The more people willing to help, the more produce we can collect and rescue. Even better, no prior experience in gardening or farming is necessary. Most volunteers are needed during peak farming seasons (April through November). Many farmers throughout the 18 counties that make up northwest Ohio call the gleaning project manager, and establish days when volunteers can pick produce from the fields. Farmers call for volunteers when they are done with mechanically-harvested fields and there is quality produce remaining. Some farmers have produce left from their time at market and need someone to pick up boxed fruits and vegetables.
Gleaning can start as early as June and end around Thanksgiving. Traditionally early fall is the busiest time for harvest and gleaning. Farmers often welcome those who wish to help clean their fields. Volunteers who work the fields are notified through e-mail which includes maps, times, addresses and other information. Volunteers are under no obligation to come, but many find it a great way to make friends and help the hungry.
Numerous organizations and groups throughout northwest Ohio are already involved! Here is just a sampling of the organizations directly involved with Northwest Ohio's Gleaning Project:
For more information, please view our brochure or contact the gleaning project manager at 419-386-2006 or gleanerproject@gmail.com
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Ste 100, Toledo, Ohio 43615-7320
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