US Foods Opens Applications for $360,000 in Scholarships
US Foods Holding Corp. (NYSE: USFD), one of the nation’s largest and most influential foodservice distributors, has officially opened the application period for its 2025 US Foods Scholars Program, reaffirming its strong commitment to developing the next generation of culinary and hospitality professionals. Students with dreams of working in the foodservice industry now have the opportunity to receive significant financial assistance and professional development through one of the company’s flagship philanthropic initiatives.
Applications are now being accepted through May 12, 2025, and the program offers 18 need-based scholarships, each valued at $20,000, to students pursuing postsecondary degrees in culinary arts, baking and pastry, chef training, or hospitality management. These scholarships are aimed at helping students overcome financial barriers as they work toward achieving their professional aspirations in the food and hospitality industry.
Meeting the Growing Demand for Culinary Professionals
The demand for skilled culinary professionals is steadily increasing across the United States. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for chefs and head cooks is projected to grow by 8% from 2023 to 2033—a rate that is faster than the national average for most occupations. As restaurants, hotels, catering services, and other foodservice establishments continue to expand, the need for well-trained professionals in the culinary and hospitality space becomes more urgent. US Foods is stepping up to address this growing demand by investing in promising students who demonstrate both financial need and a passion for the field.
Through the US Foods Scholars program, the company is working to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent talented and driven individuals from entering the industry. The initiative is also a part of US Foods’ broader efforts to strengthen the foodservice talent pipeline nationwide and create a more diverse and inclusive industry.
A Proven Track Record of Impact
Since its launch, the US Foods Scholars program has awarded over $2 million in scholarship funds, benefiting nearly 100 students across the United States. These scholarships have not only alleviated financial burdens for students but have also enabled them to access life-changing opportunities that would otherwise have been out of reach. Past recipients have gone on to achieve remarkable success in the industry, including starting their own restaurants, joining prestigious culinary groups, and pursuing advanced training under the guidance of renowned chefs.
The program doesn’t stop at financial aid. In addition to the scholarship awards, US Foods Scholars receive access to exclusive professional development opportunities that help them grow personally and professionally. These opportunities include mentoring sessions, educational events, and real-world learning engagements with US Foods industry experts. Scholars are also invited to participate in customer-facing events, allowing them to build meaningful connections with foodservice professionals and gain exposure to the business side of the industry.
Encouragement from US Foods Leadership
“We are thrilled to officially open applications for the 2025 class of US Foods Scholars,” said Lisa Gibbons, vice president of corporate communications at US Foods. “This program is about more than just financial support—it’s about helping young people realize their dreams, develop their skills, and ultimately make a meaningful impact on the future of the foodservice industry.”
Gibbons emphasized that US Foods is proud to continue supporting a new generation of culinary professionals through this annual initiative. “We’re honored to play a role in helping students overcome financial obstacles and take their first steps toward a fulfilling and successful career,” she added. “If you’re passionate about food and hospitality and are in need of financial support, we encourage you to apply.”
How to Apply for the 2025 Program
The application process for the 2025 program is now open, and students have until 3 p.m. Central Time on May 12, 2025, to submit their applications. Twelve of the eighteen total scholarships will be awarded through an online application portal managed in partnership with Scholarship America, one of the nation’s leading nonprofit scholarship administrators. The portal is accessible through the company’s website at
Applicants must be enrolled or planning to enroll in a two- or four-year accredited postsecondary institution offering degrees in culinary arts or hospitality. The scholarships are specifically designed to cover essential education-related costs, including tuition, textbooks, supplies, room and board, and other associated fees.
In addition to the 12 scholarships awarded through Scholarship America, the remaining six scholarships will be administered through a special partnership with the Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP). This nonprofit organization works to empower high school students from underserved communities by providing them with career readiness training and scholarships to pursue culinary education. Students selected through the C-CAP partnership will be chosen from among high school seniors planning to pursue degrees in culinary or hospitality arts.
A Long-Term Investment in the Industry
The US Foods Scholars program is one of several community engagement initiatives the company supports as part of its mission to “help foodservice operators make it.” US Foods recognizes that the future success of the foodservice industry depends on a well-educated and motivated workforce. By helping students gain access to quality education and professional training, the company is not only giving back but also securing a more vibrant future for the industry as a whole.
The program also aligns with US Foods’ broader corporate social responsibility goals, including fostering economic opportunity, supporting education, and contributing to the communities it serves. Each scholarship awarded represents a long-term investment in both the recipient and the foodservice sector.
Learn More and Apply
Students who are interested in applying or learning more about the US Foods Scholars program can find detailed information, eligibility criteria, and access to the application portal at
As the May 12 deadline approaches, US Foods encourages all eligible students with a passion for food and a dream to work in hospitality to take advantage of this unique opportunity.
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