About

 

We champion industry excellence by investing in the future of foodservice. Today more than ever, our world requires the very best and brightest young minds.

That’s why we serve as a hub for providing industry education, opportunities within the industry, scholarship distribution and internship placement between our manufacturer companies and budding foodservice talent.

Through member contributions, we award $5,000 scholarships to students from schools and programs that emphasize culinary, marketing, sales, supply chain, and food science.

The Education Foundation is a donation you can feel good about, with 100% of the funding going directly to scholarship awards.

Whether you are looking to empower tomorrow’s foodservice pioneers through an internship, or through financial giving, we encourage you to get involved and make a difference in the careers of today’s deserving students.

Please contact stefanee@ifmaworld.com with any questions. 

 

Mission

 

To attract collegiate business talent to IFMA The Food Away from Home Association member companies as well as the Food Away From Home ecosystem by providing financial support, careerplanning, and; employmentopportunities to qualified students.

We provide significant scholarship funding to students in the areas of hospitality, marketing, finance, supply chain, and food science. The Education Foundation partners with some of the nation's leading colleges and universities to award the following each year:

 

  • $5,000 Academic Scholarships – Supporting students as they pursue degrees in foodservice-related fields, helping to offset tuition and academic expenses.

 

  • $2,500 Experiential Scholarships – Providing students with the opportunity to attend IFMA The Food Away from Home Association events, gaining real-world exposure, networking, and hands-on industry experience.

 

Together, these scholarships ensure thatstudents not only receive classroom knowledge but also meaningful professional experiences that prepare them to become the next generation of leaders in the food-away-from-home industry.

 

 

Partner Colleges & Universities

We provide significant scholarship funding to students in the areas of hospitality, marketing, sales, supply chain, and food science. The Education Foundation partners with some of the nation's leading colleges and universities to award $5,000 scholarships and $1,000 internship stipends to a variety of students each year. Among schools we support, are:  

Thank You to Our Sponsors

 

Education Summit

 

The Education Foundation hosts an annual Education Summit in conjunction with the Gold & Silver Plate Awards weekend each May. This signature event brings together industry leaders, educators, and students to exchange ideas, foster mentorship, and spotlight opportunities across the foodservice ecosystem.

In addition to the Summit, the Foundation is developing new initiatives to build stronger connections between students and IFMA The Food Away from Home Association's members. These efforts include creating pathways for internships, mentorship programs, and experiential learning opportunities that allow students to gain firsthand exposure to the industry.

Our commitment is to ensure that the next generation of food professionals receives the support, resources, and encouragement they need to see the food industry not just as a job, but as a rewarding and lifelong career choice. Through scholarships, engagement opportunities, and industry access, we are helping shape tomorrow’s leaders and fueling the future of food.

 

Donate Now  Read More  

 

Education Icon

Our Promise

The Education Foundation has promised to ensure 100% of donor contributions go toward funding scholarship.

 

Our Trustees

The Trustees of the Foundation comprises members of the IFMA The Food Away from Home Association Board of Directors, our members, and Society Council Members. Our Trustees meet as needed to carefully set, review, and guide the mission.

We Would Like to Thank Our Donors


Dr. Regynald Washington
Ecolab
PepsiCo
Hershey 
Nestlé Professional Solutions
Crown Bakeries, LLC
Datassential
Emmi Roth USA
General Mills North American Foodservice
J.R. Simplot Company
Kerry
Leidy's Premium Meats
McClancy Foods and Flavors
Nortera Foods Inc.
Red Diamond, Inc
T. Marzetti Foodservice
Tractor Beverage Co
Unilever Food Solutions, North America
Winland Foods, Inc.

2024-2025 Education Foundation Scholarship Winners