NJ Food Council awards $108K in scholarships

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

During a recent virtual reception, the trade association’s Educational Development Scholarship Foundation awarded $108,000 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 33 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 reward for some outstanding members of our organizations who were chosen because of their unique skills, amazing accomplishments and efforts to make a difference in our communities and business world,” said NJFC Vice Chair Jason of Wawa. “We are proud to provide scholarships that act as a catalyst for the educational advancement of our member associates and their families. With the support of all NJFC members, our scholarship program continues to successfully grow each year allowing us to help advance even more future food industry trailblazers.”



NJFC President and Chief Executive Officer Linda recognized the hard work of the scholarship recipients, saying, “We proudly honor the remarkable achievements and dedication of those who are going to shape the future of business and food marketing in New Jersey. This educational journey and entry into our indispensable industry are something we are immensely proud to support."

The following scholarships were awarded in 2024:

NJFC Founders Scholarship

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

Recipient: Matthew Zmuda, Rowan University

NJFC Thomas Infusino Scholarship

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

Recipient: Ryan McHall, Villanova 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: Joshua Siegel, James Madison 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: Angelina Benitez, Seton Hall University; Victoria McCloskey, The College of New Jersey; Hannah Speigel, Camden County College; and Allison Sproul, University of Notre Dame

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: Deangelo Coris, Raritan Valley Community College; Marissa Blankenbiller, Rider University; and Joseph Whitmore, Ramapo College of New Jersey

Cuellar Family ShopRites Scholarship

An award of $2,500 to an employee or family member employed at Cuellar Family ShopRites.

Recipient: Bianca Isabella Giordano, Montclair State University

Abe Glass Memorial Scholarship

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

Recipient: Shelby Nordstrom, Barnard College of Columbia University

Ben Glass Memorial Scholarship

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

Recipient: Veronica Ilinska, Binghamton University

Glass Gardens ShopRites Scholarship

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

Recipients: Jocelyn Marquez, Bergen Community College; Sebastian Pulgarin Londono, Rutgers University of New Brunswick; Matthew Dixon, Ramapo College of New Jersey; and Conor Patrick King, SUNY Delhi

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: Thomas Paolillo, Stevens institute of Technology - $5,000; Robert Gore, Ramapo College of New Jersey - $2,500 and Victoria Cavo, Seton Hall 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: Alec Babiak, St. Joseph’s University

Ronald S. and Kathleen Murphy Scholarship

Two awards 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 School or students from Burlington County Institute of Technology.

Recipient: Charles Redford III, Walnut Hill College

Robert Powell Memorial Scholarship

Two awards of $2,500 to an employee or family member of Allegiance Retail Services.

Recipients: Jordyn Aleksandrowicz, William Paterson University, and Arianna Guerreiro, Pace University

QuickChek Corp. Scholarship

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

Recipient: Jason Sparrow, Stevens Technical Institute

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, Monmouth University

Wawa Education Scholarships

Two awards of $2,500 each to an employee or family member employed at Wawa.

Recipients: Michael Moore Funcheon, Rowan University and Casey Mazur, Albright College

Whole Foods Market

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

Recipients: Aminata Baragi, NYC College of Technology; Yash Gupta, University of Maryland, College Park; David Lugo, Mercy University; and Christelle Seignon, Fortis Institute

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