RCA/SCIFTS Meeting: Consumer Acceptance of Edible Insects
RCA/SCIFTS Meeting: Consumer Acceptance of Edible Insects
Feb 18, 2026
05:30 pm - 08:00 pm | Pacific
In Person
About this event

Join us for an engaging exploration of the future of sustainable protein as Dr. Cassandra Maya presents her current research on consumer acceptance of edible insects. This collaborative RCA/SCIFTs event will feature a presentation on cricket-based foods, followed by networking and tasting of various cricket-based snacks from 3 Cricketeers. Discover how consumer perceptions are evolving around this sustainable protein source and enjoy hands-on tasting experiences.

The event will include educational content on sustainable protein sources, consumer perception research, and networking opportunities. Attendees will have the chance to taste cricket-based snack products from EntoMarket / EdibleInsects.com provided by Village Green Foods. Dr. Maya will speak to the future of alternative proteins in the food industry. The evening combines education with hands-on experience, making it valuable for food scientists, product developers, and culinary professionals interested in sustainable food innovation.

7:00 p.m.  Welcome, introductions and taking care of business announcements for both SCIFTs and RCA
7:20 p.m.  Speakers
8:00 p.m.-ish.  Q&A followed by prize drawings
 

Speakers:

Dr. Cassandra Maya

Credentials: Postdoctoral Fellow, Chapman University George L. Argyros School of Business and Economics

Bio: Dr. Cassandra Maya is a Postdoctoral Fellow at Chapman University's Global Commerce and Innovation (GCI) program, where she conducts research on consumer acceptance of edible insects. Her work focuses on understanding consumer perceptions and barriers to adoption of sustainable protein sources, particularly crickets and other edible insects. Dr. Maya brings expertise in food consumer behavior and sustainable food systems innovation.

If you are a student and interested in volunteering, please reach out to Jenny Rosoff jenny@villagegreenfoods.com

Event Contact: Jenny Rosoff jenny@villagegreenfoods.com

Thank you to our Corporate Partner, Kalsec Inc.

RCA Disclosures:

Contact Information: By registering for this event, you consent to the sharing of your contact information (such as name, email address, and company) with the event’s sponsors. This information will be shared exclusively with sponsors for purposes related to the event and will not be shared with other attendees or third parties.

Photographs and Videos: During this event, RCA may take photographs and/or video of you which may be posted to social media and on the association’s website. By registering for and attending this event, you agree to the use of image in photographs and/or video for this purpose. Additionally, other event attendees may take photographs and post said photographs to social media. RCA shall not be responsible for photographs taken and/or shared by other event attendees.

Session Recordings: This session may be recorded for the purpose of education, training, and use in RCA’s Learning Library. The recording will be used for this stated purpose and shall not be used for any other purpose. Do not share information that you do not wish to be recorded.  If you are uncomfortable being recorded, please refrain from speaking and submit questions via email.

Price
$50
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