AUSTIN, Minn. — Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL) today announced the recipients of this year’s pair of $10,000 Hormel Heroes Scholarships. The Hormel Heroes Scholarship Program, created by Hormel Foods to support students with military backgrounds pursuing degrees in culinary arts or foodservice management, is administered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF).
“Hormel Foods proudly supports the members of our military, who have made substantial sacrifices for our nation. These scholarships show our appreciation for students who serve or have served our country and are pursuing careers in the foodservice industry,” said Mark Ourada, group vice president of Hormel Foods Foodservice. “Congratulations to this year’s scholarship recipients, Christina Gilman and Angela Thompson, and thank you for your service.”
Gilman is a sergeant serving in the U.S. Marine Corps as a 3381 foodservice specialist aboard Camp Pendleton. She is in the second year of her program at American Public University, majoring in hospitality management with a concentration in foodservice. Upon completion, she will earn a bachelor’s degree and a certificate in restaurant operations.
“As a Marine, wife, mother and eternal student, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for believing in me and investing in my future,” said Gilman. “The opportunities being granted from your generous support are immeasurable, and I am so excited to embark on the next steps in my career and education.”
Thompson is a military veteran who served as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force. She is pursuing an associate’s degree in hospitality management from St. Louis Community College. She currently manages a bed-and-breakfast and aspires to open her own establishment someday.
“This scholarship not only allows me to complete my academic studies, but the principles taught in the course help to expand my knowledge base and improve my performance as manager for a bed-and-breakfast,” said Thompson. “Although my expertise is greatly improving because of this learning experience, the true beneficiaries of this scholarship will be the guest at the BnB.”
“On Veterans Day, the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) is proud to celebrate our nation’s heroes through continued education and training as they transition back to civilian life,” said Rob Gifford, president of the NRAEF. “Thanks to our partners at Hormel Foods, we can offer veterans the financial support they need to improve their skills and advance their careers. Congratulations to Christina and Angela – we’re proud to have you join us as NRAEF scholars.”
ABOUT HORMEL FOODS — Inspired People. Inspired Food.™
Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minn., is a global branded food company with over $9 billion in annual revenue across more than 80 countries worldwide. Its brands include SKIPPY®, SPAM®, Hormel® Natural Choice®, Applegate®, Justin’s®, Wholly®, Hormel® Black Label®, Columbus® and more than 30 other beloved brands. The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named on the “Global 2000 World’s Best Employers” list by Forbes magazine for three straight years, is one of Fortune magazine’s most admired companies, has appeared on Corporate Responsibility Magazine’s “The 100 Best Corporate Citizens” list for the 12th year in a row, and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. The company lives by its purpose statement — Inspired People. Inspired Food.™ — to bring some of the world’s most trusted and iconic brands to tables across the globe. For more information, visit www.hormelfoods.com and http://csr.hormelfoods.com/.
About the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF)
As the philanthropic foundation of the National Restaurant Association, the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation’s mission of service to the public is dedicated to enhancing the industry’s training and education, career development and community engagement efforts. The NRAEF and its programs work to Attract, Employer and Advance today’s and tomorrow’s restaurant and foodservice workforce. NRAEF programs include: ProStart® — a high school career and technical educational program; Restaurant Ready — partnering with community-based organizations to provide justice-involved youth with skills and training and job opportunities; Military — helping military servicemen and women transition their skills to restaurant and foodservice and hospitality degrees; and the Hospitality Sector Registered Apprenticeship Project — a partnership with the American Hotel & Lodging Association providing a hospitality apprenticeship program for the industry. For more information about the NRAEF, visit ChooseRestaurants.org.
