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The New Jersey Food Council is doing its part to inspire the next generation of food industry leaders.

During a June 26 virtual reception, the trade association’s Educational Development Scholarship Foundation awarded $97,500 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 31 awards supported by NJFC and its member companies. According to the council, recipients are selected based on academics and special qualifications as well as civil and local leadership activities.

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

NJFC President and Chief Executive Officer Linda Doherty recognized the hard work of the scholarship recipients, saying, “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.”

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, senior at 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, sophomore at Northampton 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, Freshman at 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, freshman at Louisiana State University; Trevor Collins, ShopRite of Somerset, freshman at Rutgers University; Brittaney Reece, ShopRite of Absecon, freshman at Cape Atlantic Community College; and Olivia Schlosky, UTZ Quality Foods, junior at 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, junior at Rutgers University; Sean Kijewski, freshman at Kean University; and Laura Kukan, freshman at 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, freshman at Rutgers University.

Abe Glass Memorial Scholarship – An award of $5,000 to a team member of Glass Gardens ShopRites.
Recipient: Sean Callaghan, Glass Gardens ShopRites, junior at New Jersey Institute of Technology.

Ben Glass Memorial Scholarship – An award of $5,000 to a team member of Glass Gardens ShopRites.
Recipient: Sebastian Pulgarin Londono, Glass Gardens ShopRites, sophomore at Rutgers University.

Glass Gardens ShopRites Scholarship – Four awards of $2,500 to team members of Glass Gardens ShopRites.
Recipients: Jessica Albeck, sophomore at County College of Morris; Taletha Hardy, freshman at Kean University; Charles Ndegwa, freshman at Kean University; and Caleb Ratliff, freshman at 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, freshman at Rutgers University – $5,000; Matthew Mueller, junior at University at Albany – $2,500; Katherine Lencsak, senior at 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, senior at St. Joseph’s University.

Robert Powell Memorial Scholarship – Two awards of $2,500 to an employee or family member of Allegiance Retail Services.
Recipients: Waseem Rahman, senior at Seton Hall University and Madison Ruta, freshman at Monmouth University.

QuickChek Corp. Scholarship – An award of $2,500 to an employee or family member employed at QuickChek Corp.
Recipient: Sylvia Wiggins, freshman at 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, senior at Monmouth University.

Wawa Education Scholarships – Two awards of $2,500 each to an employee or family member employed at Wawa.
Recipients: Lindsay Fittipaldi, sophomore at Quinnipiac University, and Jamilynne McCabe, junior at Gettysburg College.

Whole Foods Market – Four awards of $2,500 to a team member employed by Whole Foods Market.
Recipients: Harold Pierson III, sophomore at Northampton Area Community College; Kelsey Spaulding, sophomore at Fort Hays State University; Stephanie Iaccino, senior at Arizona State University; and Victoria Torres, junior at University of Connecticut.