Largest Scholar Class to Date Aims to Fuel Culinary Talent Pipeline for Operators

US Foods Holding Corp. (NYSE:USFD), one of America’s leading foodservice distributors, today announced its 2026 class of US Foods Scholars, the largest class in the program’s history. This year’s cohort includes 20 exceptional students from 18 schools nationwide who are pursuing 2- or 4-year post-secondary degrees in culinary arts, hospitality, baking and pastry, or business management programs. Each recipient will receive a $20,000 scholarship to help advance their post-secondary education, along with access to professional development opportunities through US Foods.

The foodservice industry continues to offer meaningful career pathways for the next generation of talent. According to the National Restaurant Association’s 2026 State of the Restaurant Industry Report, restaurant operators expect to add approximately 100,000 jobs in 2026, bringing total industry employment to 15.8 million. The US Foods Scholars program, established in 2017, was designed to help strengthen this talent pipeline by providing financial support and industry exposure to students pursuing careers in foodservice and hospitality. Since its launch, the program has awarded more than $2.8 million in scholarships to more than 140 students, helping recipients continue their education and prepare for careers in the 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 2026 US Foods Scholars scholarship recipients are:

Grace Bello, The University of Texas in Austin, Texas. Hometown: Manor, Texas.
Marissa Blair, Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, N.C. Hometown: Shirleysburg, Pa.
Emily Vier, Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Hometown: South Ogden, Utah.
Alisha Cameron, Southwestern Oregon Community College in Coos Bay, Ore. Hometown: Coos Bay, Ore.
Katie Kate Dagok, California State University in San Bernardino, Calif. Hometown: Palm Springs, Calif.
Harlow Danio, Moorpark College in Moorpark, Calif. Hometown: Guerneville, Calif.
Yvonne Finch, Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts in Austin, Texas. Hometown: Milwaukee, Wis.
James Ford, Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, N.C. Hometown: District Heights, Md.
Genesis Jordan, El Paso Community College in El Paso, Texas. Hometown: El Paso, Texas.
Jason Mascarenhas, University of Illinois in Urbana, Ill. Hometown: Buffalo Grove, Ill.
Kayla McCloud, Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pa. Hometown: Brooklyn, N.Y.
Misha Patel, Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y. Hometown: Frisco, Texas.
Rylee Richmond, Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. Hometown: Jasper, Texas.
Zoe Rowe, Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, N.C. Hometown: Camden, Del.
Emily Spadafora, The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College in Philadelphia, Pa. Hometown: Morrisville, N.J.
Kendall Stanley, Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. Hometown: Grapevine, Texas.
Sasha T., University of North Texas in Denton, Texas. Hometown: Dallas, Texas.
Kennedy Thompson, Framingham State University in Framingham, Mass. Hometown: Boston, Mass.
Majalynn Thompson, Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Fla. Hometown: Bowling Green, Fla.
Jake Toben, Mitchell Technical College in Mitchell, S.D. Hometown: Sioux Falls, S.D.

The US Foods Scholars program is administered in partnership with Scholarship America. Scholars are selected through a competitive application process that evaluates academic achievement, financial need, and a personal essay highlighting each student’s goals, passion for the industry, and commitment to their future career.

To learn more about the US Foods Scholars program and the newest recipients, visit www.usfoods.com/scholars.

About US Foods

With a promise to help its customers Make It, US Foods is one of America’s great food companies and a leading foodservice distributor, partnering with approximately 250,000 customer locations and foodservice operators to help their businesses succeed. With more than 70 broadline locations and more than 90 cash and carry stores, US Foods and its 30,000 associates provides its customers with a broad and innovative food offering and a comprehensive suite of e-commerce, technology and business solutions. US Foods is headquartered in Rosemont, Ill. Visit www.usfoods.com to learn more.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Sara Matheu

Director of Media Relations

773-580-3775 / Sara.Matheu@usfoods.com