ROSEMONT, Ill.– US Foods Holding Corp. (NYSE: USFD) today announced the company’s newest US Foods Scholars scholarship recipients. Seven students from four cities across the U.S. were selected to receive up to $20,000 each to support their continued culinary education, in addition to hands-on training opportunities with US Foods culinary professionals. The US Foods Scholars program was developed to inspire students to reach their full potential and contribute a meaningful solution to the talent shortage facing the restaurant industry.
Launched in 2017, US Foods Scholars provides financial support and professional development opportunities to students who have demonstrated outstanding potential and achievement in the culinary arts and require additional resources to take the next step of their journey. The program is currently active in Arizona, Atlanta, Austin, Chicago, Denver, New York City and Raleigh. With the addition of these seven students, US Foods currently supports 13 students across these markets. The company plans to announce 17 additional scholarships in 2019.
“We are continually impressed by the talent and leadership this group of scholars brings to the table,” said Debra Ceffalio, vice president of corporate communications, US Foods. “In an industry where skilled applicants are increasingly difficult to find, US Foods is proud to support the next generation of culinary professionals and help them reach their career goals.”
The seven recipients are:
- Angel’o Hill, a culinary arts management student at the Art Institute of Atlanta in Atlanta. Hometown: Greenville, South Carolina
- Destinee Chatman, a baking and pastry student at the Art Institute of Atlanta in Atlanta. Hometown: Warner Robins, Georgia
- Lillie Hood, a baking and pastry arts student at Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh. Hometown: Angier, North Carolina
- Amber Fuqua, a hospitality management student at Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh.
Hometown: Winston-Salem, North Carolina - Stevani Flahaut, a first-year culinary science student at Austin Community College in Austin. Hometown: Converse, Texas
- Molly Leibbrandt, a culinary arts and food service management student at Johnson & Wales University in Denver.
Hometown: Centennial, Colorado - Liliana Flores, a first-year baking and pastry and foodservice management student at Johnson & Wales University in Denver.
Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
All US Foods Scholars are selected through a formal application process. Each applicant is evaluated based on several criteria, including academic performance, financial need and a personal essay. US Foods is proud to partner with two organizations, Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP) and the American Culinary Federation (ACF), to help facilitate applications and select scholarship recipients.
Learn more about the program and the seven spring recipients here.
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.
About Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP)
Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP) is a national nonprofit that educates and guides underserved high school students toward a bright future. C-CAP prepares students for the workplace through chef mentoring, field trips, work experience and job training, scholarships and college and career advising. Founded in 1990 by culinary educator Richard Grausman, C-CAP 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 the American Culinary Federation (ACF)
The American Culinary Federation (ACF), established in 1929, is the standard of excellence for chefs in North America. With more than 15,500 members spanning more than 170 chapters nationwide, ACF is the leading culinary association offering educational resources, training, apprenticeship, programmatic accreditation and a comprehensive certification program. For more information, visit www.acfchefs.org.
