NJBIZ Family Business Panel Discussion
Kimberly Redmond//July 8, 2025//
During a virtual reception celebrating the 2025 scholarship winners, New Jersey Food Council President and CEO Linda Doherty (top left) described the festivities as a special moment for “our industry’s students, their dreams and the companies who support them.” – PROVIDED BY NJFC
NJ Food Council awards $98K in 2025 scholarships
During a virtual reception celebrating the 2025 scholarship winners, New Jersey Food Council President and CEO Linda Doherty (top left) described the festivities as a special moment for “our industry’s students, their dreams and the companies who support them.” – PROVIDED BY NJFC
Kimberly Redmond//July 8, 2025//
The New Jersey Food Council awarded $97,500 in scholarships to students who are pursuing careers in food retail, distribution or manufacturing.
Launched in 2011 with three scholarships, the awards program has grown to include 31 awards supported by NJFC’s scholarship program and the trade association’s member companies.
During a recent virtual reception celebrating this year’s winners, NJFC President and CEO Linda Doherty described the festivities as a special moment for “our industry’s students, their dreams and the companies who support them.”
“We are proud to invest in the future of the New Jersey food industry and recognize the hardworking students and families who help make our industry stronger every day,” she said, noting that scholarship recipients are academic standouts, demonstrate special qualifications and engage in civil and local leadership activities.
NJFC Chair and Wawa Regional Director of Store Operations in New Jersey Jason Read added, “We are incredibly proud of this year’s scholarship recipients, selected from an outstanding pool of 177 applicants. These scholarships recognize not only academic excellence, but also the students’ dedication to creating a meaningful impact in their communities, to making a difference in the world and to advancing our industry’s future.”
The following scholarships were awarded in 2025:
NJFC President’s Scholarship
An award of $5,000 to a high school senior or college student who is a family member of a member company or employed by NJFC
Recipient: Matthew Siegel, James Madison University
NJFC Founders Scholarship
An award of $5,000 to an employee in a food related member business or future industry leader
Recipient: Jonathan Goldstein, Pennsylvania State University
NJFC Thomas Infusino Scholarship
An award of $5,000 to an employee in a retail member business
Recipient: Eric Shapiro, Lehigh 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: Sean Woods, Sacred Heart University
NJFC Scholarships
Three awards of $2,500 to a graduating high school senior or college student who works for a member company and who is pursuing food policy, government affairs or a food industry-related career; or an NJFC employee
Recipients: Kaylee Capozzi, Louisiana State University; Lilliana Definizio, Ohio State University; and Emily Delvecchio, Rowan University
NJFC Bill Sumas Emerging Leader Scholarship
An award of $2,500 to an employee in a food related member business or future industry leader
Recipient: Ethan Pachelli, Atlantic Cape Community College
Acme Markets/Kings Food Markets Scholarships
Three awards of $2,500 each to an employee or family member employed at Acme Markets/Kings Food Markets
Recipients: Evelyn Carter, Rowan College at Burlington County; John Michael O’Connor, Rutgers University; and Landis Raso, Drew University
Cuellar Family ShopRites Scholarship
An award of $2,500 to an employee or family member employed at Cuellar Family ShopRites
Recipient: Stephanie Vazques-Dominguez, William Paterson University
Abe Glass Memorial Scholarship
An award of $5,000 to a team member of Glass Gardens ShopRites
Recipient: Tynishia Penn, Strayer University
Ben Glass Memorial Scholarship
An award of $5,000 to a team member of Glass Gardens ShopRites
Recipient: George Picinic, Ramapo College of New Jersey
Glass Gardens ShopRites Scholarships
Four awards of $2,500 to team members of Glass Gardens ShopRites
Recipients: Briana Dumeng, Fairleigh Dickinson University; Jovina Fuentes, Montclair State University; Niko Gargurevich, Bergen Community College; and Yahdani Mejia, Bergen Community College
Lawrence R. Inserra Memorial Scholarships
An award of $5,000 and two awards of $2,500 each to an employee or family member of Inserra Supermarkets
Recipients: Gianna Cuozzo, George Washington University ($5,000); Victoria Cavo, Seton Hall University ($2,500); and Jennier Amaya Mazariego, Ramapo College of New Jersey ($2,500)
Ronald S. and Kathleen Murphy Scholarship
One award 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 schools; or students from Burlington County Institute of Technology
Recipient: Nola Kerfoot, Boston College-Connell School of Nursing
Robert Powell Memorial Scholarship
One award of $5,000 to an employee or family member of Allegiance Retail Services
Recipient: Benjamin Arturi, Bryant University
QuickChek Corporation Scholarship
An award of $2,500 to an employee or family member employed at QuickChek Corp.
Recipient: Michelle Woodring, Rutgers University
Rockin’ Protein Never Settle Scholarship
An award of $2,500 to a full-time or part-time employee, their children or spouses of Murphy’s Fresh Markets; or high school seniors at Cherokee, Lenape, Seneca or Shawnee high schools; or students from Burlington County Institute of Technology
Recipient: Jada Wagner, Rutgers University
Shamrock Farm Fresh Futures Scholarship
An award of $2,500 to high school seniors or college students who are employed by or whose parent, stepparent, legal guardian, or grandparent is employed by the Supermarket Retail Partners of NJFC
Recipient: Benjamin Arturi, Bryant University
Wawa
An award of $2,500 to high school seniors or college students who are either children or spouses of full-time or part-time employees of Wawa
Recipient: Adam Hajji, Rowan College at Burlington County
Whole Foods Market
Four awards of $2,500 to a team member employed by Whole Foods Market
Recipients: Alejandro Herrera, University of Connecticut; Michelle Morales, New York City College of Technology; Kwyne Pugh, Rider University; and Roshaye Clarke, Mercy University
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