Phi U began in 1909 with nine members and has grown to over 60,000 members nationwide. Students who are majors in family and consumer sciences and who have earned at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average in their studies are invited to join in their sophomore, junior, or senior years. Following service through their college years, lifelong membership is awarded. National activities and scholarship and fellowship awards are available to interested members. The Foods and Nutrition Club provides an opportunity for pre-dietetic and nutrition majors to explore dietetic career options and to promote nutrition awareness through campus and community activities.
Membership is open to any student interested in foods and nutrition.
The club's activities include monthly meetings, presentations by practicing dietitians, community service, and fund-raisers. Past activities have included a booth at the UI Health and Nutrition Fair, participation in the Food Science Club Chili Cook Off, a dietetic professional exploration series, a food drive to benefit the Moscow Food Bank, and working in conjunction with the Women's Center for Eating Disorders Prevention and Awareness Week. The American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences is the umbrella organization of the profession. It includes each content area of FCS as special subject sections. Each state has an affiliate with faculty members at the U of I, serving as key leaders.