US Foods Holding Corp. (NYSE: USFD), one of the leading foodservice distributors in the United States, has announced its 2026 class of US Foods Scholars, marking the largest group of students selected since the scholarship program was established. This year, 20 outstanding students from 18 schools across the country have been chosen to receive financial assistance and professional development opportunities as they prepare for careers in the foodservice and hospitality industries.
Each 2026 US Foods Scholar will receive a $20,000 scholarship to help cover the cost of pursuing a two- or four-year post-secondary education. The recipients are studying a range of disciplines closely connected to the foodservice sector, including culinary arts, hospitality, baking and pastry, and business management.
In addition to financial support, scholars will gain access to professional development opportunities through US Foods. The combination of educational funding and exposure to the industry is designed to help students build the skills, knowledge and professional connections needed to establish successful careers.
Supporting a Growing Foodservice Workforce
The announcement comes at a time when the foodservice industry continues to represent an important source of employment and career opportunities throughout the United States. According to the National Restaurant Association’s 2026 State of the Restaurant Industry Report, restaurant operators anticipate adding approximately 100,000 jobs during 2026. That growth would bring total restaurant industry employment to an estimated 15.8 million workers.
As businesses across restaurants, hospitality, culinary operations and related foodservice fields continue to seek qualified employees, programs that help students obtain industry-specific education can play an important role in strengthening the future workforce.
US Foods created its Scholars program in 2017 with the goal of helping students overcome financial barriers while pursuing careers connected to foodservice and hospitality. Since its launch, the program has awarded more than $2.8 million in scholarships to more than 140 students.
The initiative reflects US Foods’ broader efforts to contribute to the development of the foodservice talent pipeline. By helping students continue their education and gain professional experience, the company aims to support individuals who can eventually bring their skills and ideas to restaurants, hospitality businesses, culinary operations and other areas of the industry.
US Foods Recognizes 20 Students
The 2026 class represents students from colleges and universities across the United States. The recipients come from a wide range of communities and educational backgrounds, while sharing an interest in building careers within foodservice, hospitality or business.
The 2026 US Foods Scholars are:
- Grace Bello — The University of Texas at Austin, Texas; hometown: Manor, Texas.
- Marissa Blair — Johnson & Wales University, Charlotte, N.C.; hometown: Shirleysburg, Pa.
- Emily Vier — Utah Valley University, Orem, Utah; hometown: South Ogden, Utah.
- Alisha Cameron — Southwestern Oregon Community College, Coos Bay, Ore.; hometown: Coos Bay, Ore.
- Katie Kate Dagok — California State University, San Bernardino, Calif.; hometown: Palm Springs, Calif.
- Harlow Danio — Moorpark College, Moorpark, Calif.; hometown: Guerneville, Calif.
- Yvonne Finch — Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Austin, Texas; hometown: Milwaukee, Wis.
- James Ford — Johnson & Wales University, Charlotte, N.C.; hometown: District Heights, Md.
- Genesis Jordan — El Paso Community College, El Paso, Texas; hometown: El Paso, Texas.
- Jason Mascarenhas — University of Illinois, Urbana, Ill.; hometown: Buffalo Grove, Ill.
- Kayla McCloud — Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pa.; hometown: Brooklyn, N.Y.
- Misha Patel — Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y.; hometown: Frisco, Texas.
- Rylee Richmond — Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas; hometown: Jasper, Texas.
- Zoe Rowe — Johnson & Wales University, Charlotte, N.C.; hometown: Camden, Del.
- Emily Spadafora — The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College, Philadelphia, Pa.; hometown: Morrisville, N.J.
- Kendall Stanley — Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas; hometown: Grapevine, Texas.
- Sasha T. — University of North Texas, Denton, Texas; hometown: Dallas, Texas.
- Kennedy Thompson — Framingham State University, Framingham, Mass.; hometown: Boston, Mass.
- Majalynn Thompson — Bethune-Cookman University, Daytona Beach, Fla.; hometown: Bowling Green, Fla.
- Jake Toben — Mitchell Technical College, Mitchell, S.D.; hometown: Sioux Falls, S.D.
The diversity of institutions represented in the 2026 class demonstrates the broad educational pathways available to students interested in foodservice careers. Scholars are pursuing programs ranging from specialized culinary education to university degrees, reflecting the wide variety of professional opportunities available across the industry.
Investing in Future Culinary and Hospitality Leaders
For students pursuing careers in foodservice, financial support can make a significant difference in their ability to complete their education and focus on developing their professional skills. The $20,000 awards provided to this year’s scholars are intended to help reduce some of the financial challenges associated with post-secondary education.
US Foods also sees the program as an investment in the future of the broader industry.
“It’s an honor to empower the next generation of culinary talent with the resources they need to pursue their career goals,” said Sara Matheu, vice president of Corporate Communications at US Foods. “Beyond helping these 20 outstanding students reach their full potential, the US Foods Scholars program aims to support the culinary talent pipeline across our growing industry. We look forward to celebrating the scholars’ accomplishments as they move through their education and professional journeys and watching the positive impact they will make.”
The program therefore extends beyond a traditional scholarship model. By connecting students with professional development opportunities, US Foods is providing recipients with resources that can help them understand the realities of working in the foodservice sector and prepare for their eventual transition from education to employment.
Building Careers Through Education and Industry Exposure
The foodservice industry encompasses far more than restaurant kitchens. Career opportunities exist across culinary operations, hospitality management, food distribution, baking and pastry, business administration, operations, sales and many other areas.
Programs such as US Foods Scholars can help students explore these possibilities while developing the academic and practical foundations necessary for long-term careers. For students already committed to the industry, scholarship funding can also provide greater flexibility to concentrate on their studies and professional development.
The 2026 class will now begin or continue their post-secondary education with support from US Foods. As the largest class in the history of the program, the group represents another significant step in the company’s effort to encourage new talent to enter the foodservice and hospitality sectors.
A Continuing Commitment to the Industry
Since 2017, the US Foods Scholars program has grown into an initiative supporting students across the country. With more than $2.8 million awarded and more than 140 students receiving scholarships since its inception, the program has already contributed to the educational journeys of numerous aspiring industry professionals.
The selection of 20 scholars for 2026 expands that commitment and highlights the importance of investing in future talent at a time when the restaurant and foodservice workforce continues to evolve.
Through scholarships, professional development and industry exposure, US Foods is helping students turn their interests in culinary arts, hospitality, baking, pastry and business into educational and career opportunities. For the newest class of scholars, the award represents more than financial assistance—it is an opportunity to continue building the skills and experience needed to shape the future of America’s foodservice industry.
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