ROSEMONT, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--US Foods is pleased to announce the names of the company’s first US Foods Scholars scholarship recipients. Three students from the greater Chicago area and three students from Arizona were each awarded a $20,000 scholarship to support costs related to their continued culinary education, in addition to hands-on training opportunities with US Foods culinary professionals. US Foods Scholars program awards financial support and professional development opportunities to students who plan to pursue an education in the culinary arts and enter the restaurant industry.
US Foods Scholars was created in partnership with the Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP) to support students who have demonstrated outstanding potential and achievement in the culinary arts and require additional resources to take the next step toward a career in the industry. The program was developed to help tackle the talent shortage facing the restaurant industry, which is forecasted to have 1.7 million new positions by 20251. US Foods Scholars officially launched in August 2017 in Chicago and expanded to Arizona in November 2017.
“This is a remarkable group of students with incredible potential,” said Debra Ceffalio, vice president of corporate communications, US Foods. “As the demand for highly skilled applicants continues to be a challenge for independent restaurant operators, our US Foods Scholars will be well-positioned for a successful career in the industry.”
“Our students have worked hard for this honor, and we are proud that they have been selected as US Foods Scholars,” said Karen Brosius, president of C-CAP. “The US Foods Scholars program will have a lasting impact on these students – not only from a financial perspective – but also as a way to provide unique and valuable culinary training opportunities and experiences.”
The six recipients are:
- Bran’De Gilbert, a first-year baking and pastry student at Kendall College of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management at National Louis University in Chicago. Hometown: Chicago, Illinois.
- Gabrielle Siegfried, a first-year baking and pastry and hospitality management student at Kendall College of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management at National Louis University in Chicago. Hometown: Lynwood, Illinois.
- Elliott Moore Jr., a freshman majoring in culinary arts at Joliet Junior College in Joliet, Illinois. Hometown: Lansing, Illinois.
- Joseph Garza, a first-year student at the Culinary Institute of America in New York studying culinary arts. Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona.
- Diana Diaz, a freshman at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona majoring in nutrition. Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona.
- Jackson Gilmore, a freshman at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon studying to pursue a career in hospitality. Hometown: Flagstaff, Arizona.
Learn more about the six recipients here.
About Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP)
Led by chef, author, and restaurateur Marcus Samuelsson as board co-chair, Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP) is a national non-profit that educates and guides underserved high school students toward a bright future. Through its holistic approach to culinary training and career exploration, C-CAP prepares students for the workplace through chef mentoring, field trips, job shadows, work experience and job skills, college and career advising and scholarships. C-CAP’s work impacts over 17,000 students each year. Countless C-CAP alumni work throughout the country and are guiding the future leaders of the culinary and hospitality industry. Visit ccapinc.org to learn more.
About US Foods
US Foods is one of America’s great food companies and a leading foodservice distributor, partnering with approximately 250,000 restaurants and foodservice operators to help their businesses succeed. With 25,000 employees and more than 60 locations, US Foods provides its customers with a broad and innovative food offering and a comprehensive suite of e-commerce, technology and business solutions. US Foods is headquartered in Rosemont, Ill. and generates approximately $24 billion in annual revenue. Visit usfoods.com to learn more.
1Bureau of Labor Statistics
