NJFC Awards $97K In Food Industry Scholarships

The New Jersey Food Council’s Educational Development Scholarship Foundation held a virtual reception with the winners of $97,500 in scholarships to further these students’ dreams, goals and career aspirations.

“We host this reception to celebrate the achievements and recognize the hard work of individuals who will pave the way for the future of business and food marketing,” said NJFC President and CEO Linda Doherty.

“We are extremely pleased to support them on their educational journey, as well as welcome them to an industry that is ‘beyond essential’ in our state.”

Since the inception of the scholarship program in 2011, the three original NJFC scholarships have grown to 31 awards with NJFC and member company scholarships totaling $97,500. Last year’s scholarships recipients also had a virtual ceremony.

“These scholarships are a rewarding benefit for our members and their families, to support them just like they have supported our industry,” said NJFC Board Chair Andrew Kent of Glass Gardens ShopRite.

“Every year, our program grows and is strengthened by our members who continue to make meaningful contributions. Each scholarship serves as an academic engine for the future generation of our member associates and their families.”

Doherty noted the scholarship recipients are academic standouts, demonstrate special qualifications and engage in civil and local leadership activities.

The following scholarships were awarded this year: 

• NJFC Founders Scholarship – An award of $5,000 to an employee in a food related member business or future industry leader.
  • Recipient: Daniel Tencza, QuickChek, St. Joseph’s University.
• NJFC Thomas Infusino Scholarship – An award of $5,000 to an employee in a retail member business.
  • Recipient: Harold Pierson III, Whole Foods Market, Northamptom Area Community College.
• NJFC Student Scholarship – An award of $5,000 to a graduating high school or college student who is a family member of a full-time employee of a member company, NJFC employee or part-time student employee of a member company.
  • Recipient: Jasmine Lew, Heritage’s Dairy, Rowan University.
• NJFC Scholarships – Four awards of $2,500 to a graduating high school senior or college student who is working for a member company and who is pursuing food policy, government affairs or a food industry related career, or an NJFC employee.
  • Recipients:
    • Kaylee Capozzi, Pepsi Beverages, Louisiana State University; Trevor Collins, ShopRite of Somerset, Rutgers University; Brittaney Reece, ShopRite of Absecon, Cape Atlantic Community College; and Olivia Schlosky, UTZ Quality Foods, Rider University.
• Acme Markets/Kings Food Markets Scholarship – Three awards of $2,500 each to an employee or family member employed at Acme Markets/Kings Food Markets.
  • Recipients:
    • Anab Asif, Rutgers University; Sean Kijewski, Kean University; and Laura Kukan, Kutztown University.
• Cuellar Family ShopRites Scholarship – An award of $2,500 to an employee or family member employed at Cuellar Family ShopRites.
  • Recipient: Ivan Perez, Rutgers University.
• Abe Glass Memorial Scholarship – An award of $5,000 to a team member of Glass Gardens ShopRites.
  • Recipient:  Sean Callaghan, NJIT.
• Ben Glass Memorial Scholarship – An award of $5,000 to a team member of Glass Gardens ShopRites.
  • Recipient:  Sebastian Pulgarin Londono, Rutgers University.
• Glass Gardens ShopRites Scholarship – Four awards of $2,500 to team members of Glass Gardens ShopRites.
  • Recipients:
    • Jessica Albeck, County College of Morris; Taletha Hardy, Kean University; Charles Ndegwa, Kean University; and Caleb Ratliff, Morehouse College.
• Lawrence R. Inserra Memorial Scholarship – An award of $5,000 and two awards of $2,500 each to an employee or family member of Inserra Supermarkets.
  • Recipients:
    • Ivan Perez, Rutgers University – $5,000
    • Matthew Mueller, University at Albany – $2,500
    • Katherine Lencsak, Quinnipiac University – $2,500
• Raymond J. Maniaci Scholarship – An award of $8,000 to a student of St. Joseph’s University who is a food marketing major.
  • Recipient:  Daniel Tencza
• Robert Powell Memorial Scholarship – Two awards of $2,500 to an employee or family member of Allegiance Retail Services.
  • Recipients:
    • Waseem Rahman, Seton Hall University; and Madison Ruta, Monmouth University.
• QuickChek Corporation Scholarship – An award of $2,500 to an employee or family member employed at QuickChek Corporation.
  • Recipient:  Sylvia Wiggins, Rutgers University.
• Grace Scaduto Memorial Scholarship – An award of $2,000 to a New Jersey resident student or spouse/family member who is employed by Food Circus Supermarkets.
  • Recipient:  Selene Ramirez, Food Circus Supermarkets, Monmouth University.
• Wawa Education Scholarships – Two awards of $2,500 each to an employee or family member employed at Wawa.
  • Recipients:
    • Lindsay Fittipaldi, Quinnipiac University; and Jamilynne McCabe, Gettysburg College.
• Whole Foods Market – Four awards of $2,500 to a team member employed by Whole Foods Market.
  • Recipients:
    • Harold Pierson III, Northampton Area Community College; Kelsey Spaulding, Fort Hays State University; Stephanie Iaccino, Arizona State University; and Victoria Torres, University of Connecticut.

The New Jersey Food Council is the Garden State’s trade association representing about 400 members serving the retail, wholesale and manufacturing segments of the state’s food distribution industry.