The basics:

• New Jersey Food Council awards $102K through 32 scholarships
• 236 students applied for 2026 awards
• Supports careers in food retail, distribution, manufacturing
• Program has grown from three scholarships since 2011

The New Jersey Food Council continues to invest in the next generation of food industry leaders.

During a recent virtual reception, the trade association’s Educational Development Scholarship Foundation awarded $102,500 in scholarships to students so they can pursue careers in food retail, distribution or manufacturing.

Launched in 2011 with three scholarships, the program has grown to 32 awards supported by NJFC and its member companies. According to the organization, recipients are selected based on academics and special qualifications as well as civil and local leadership activities.

NJFC Chair and Wawa Regional Director of Store Operations in New Jersey Jason Read said the group received applications from 236 students this year.

“The students who were selected for these scholarships were chosen because of their unique skills, their commitment to advancing their education, and their dedication to making a meaningful difference in the world, their communities, and the future of the food industry,” Read said, adding, “We are incredibly proud of this year’s scholarship recipients and congratulate each of them on this outstanding achievement.”

NJFC President and CEO Linda Doherty shared, “As these students and their families know firsthand, our industry is about much more than selling groceries. We are in the people business.”

She went on to say, “It is that spirit of giving that established our Educational Development Fund, which allows our member companies to come together to support student success. The overall goal of this program is to invest in and provide opportunities for the hardworking families and associates who are the foundation of New Jersey’s food industry.”

The following scholarships were awarded in 2026:

NJFC President’s Scholarship

An award of $5,000 to a high school senior or college student who is a family member of a member company or employed by NJFC

Recipient: Ave Colbert, Camden County College

NJFC Founders Scholarship

An award of $5,000 to an employee in a food-related member business or future industry leader

Recipient: Ian Eldridge, Rowan University

NJFC Thomas Infusino Scholarship

An award of $5,000 to an employee in a retail member business

Recipient: Aracely Campero Calderon, Kean University

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: George Picnic, Ramapo College of New Jersey

NJFC Scholarships

Three awards of $2,500 to a graduating high school senior or college student who works for a member company and who is pursuing food policy, government affairs or a food industry-related career; or an NJFC employee

Recipients: Dylan Tomlin, George Washington University; Elizabeth Gaudreau, Morris County College; Ave Colbert, Camden County College

NJFC Bill Sumas Emerging Leader Scholarship

An award of $2,500 to an employee in a food related member business or future industry leader

Recipient: Rileigh Sweeney, Rowan University

NJFC Michael Rothwell PQM Scholarship

An award of $5,000 to an employee in a food-related member business or future industry leader

Recipient: Jacob Delutis, Mercer County Community College

Acme Markets/Kings Food Markets Scholarships

Three awards of $2,500 each to an employee or family member employed at Acme Markets/Kings Food Markets

Recipients: Andrew Paterek, Rutgers University; Ave Colbert, Camden County College; Rubiel Castaneda, Union County College

Abe Glass Memorial Scholarship

An award of $5,000 to a team member of Glass Gardens ShopRites

Recipient: Aracely Campero Calderon, Kean University

Ben Glass Memorial Scholarship

An award of $5,000 to a team member of Glass Gardens ShopRites

Recipient: Karen Moran-Gil, Dominican University

Glass Gardens ShopRites Scholarships

Four awards of $2,500 to team members of Glass Gardens ShopRites

Recipients: Tynishia Penn, Strayer University; George Picnic, Ramapo College of New Jersey; Erick Zea Rivera, Fairleigh Dickinson University; Christina Zamora, Caldwell University

Lawrence R. Inserra Memorial Scholarships

An award of $5,000 and two awards of $2,500 each to an employee or family member of Inserra Supermarkets

Recipients: Alexandra Friedman, University of South Carolina; Lilah Thompson, Quinnipiac University; Rosa Avila, Rockland Community College; Isabella Kerio, Rutgers University

Ronald S. and Kathleen Murphy Scholarship

One award of $2,500 to an employee or children and spouses of employees of Murphy’s Fresh Markets; high school seniors at Cherokee, Lenape, Seneca, Shawnee high schools; or students from Burlington County Institute of Technology

Recipient: Shane Anderson, University of Central Florida

Robert Powell Memorial Scholarship

Two awards of $5,000 to an employee or family member of Allegiance Retail Services

Recipient: Sean Gillis, Kean University; Charlotte Keating, Florida Atlantic University

Rockin’ Protein Never Settle Scholarship

An award of $2,500 to Supermarket Retail Partners employees or family members

Recipient: Rylie Evans, Northeastern University-Boston

Shamrock Farm Fresh Futures Scholarship

An award of $2,500 to Supermarket Retail Partners employees or family members

Recipient: Mia Marie Pellerito, Rowan University

QuickChek Corporation Scholarship

An award of $2,500 to an employee or family member employed at QuickChek Corp.

Recipient: Yves-Velt Thomas, Rutgers University

Whole Foods Market

Four awards of $2,500 to a team member employed by Whole Foods Market

Recipients: Aung Khant, University of Maryland; Maliko Cato, Community College of Philadelphia; Yair Torres, Burlington Community College and Michael Kengni, University of District of Columbia